3. Learning the lessons of the 2022 home defeat in Christchurch
New Zealand have racked up 40+ points in each of their last three wins over Argentina, including that World Cup semi-final rout. The All Blacks have won 16 of their 17 games against Argentina on New Zealand soil, but the hosts want no repeat of the Pumas’ historic win in Christchurch two years ago when Emiliano Boffelli punished the hosts ill-discipline by landing six penalties and converting a Juan Martín González try.
Jordie Barrett, who played at full-back in the defeat, said the All Blacks needed to learn from that night and stay on the right side of Australian referee Angus Gardner in Wellington.
“Discipline was the main thing. With the Argentinians, whoever is kicking their goals, they are always sharpshooters. So we have to be very clean in that area, take the decisions out of the referee’s hands and show great pictures there.“So it’s important we start well with discipline.”
4. The All Blacks miserable record in Wellington
The capital city has not been a happy hunting ground in recent years for the All Blacks, who are winless in their last four Test matches at Sky Stadium.Ireland won the last international there in 2022, running out 32-22 winners to seal a historic 2-1 series victory over the All Blacks, the first by the Irish on New Zealand soil.Previous to that, New Zealand drew 16-all with Australia in Wellington in 2020 having also drawn with South Africa at Sky Stadium in 2019 and lost to the Springboks at the same venue in 2018.The hosts are keen to start the Rugby Championship with a win to prove a point in Wellington.
“It’d be nice to flip that around and put that to bed,” admitted Jordie Barrett. “I think it’s come to the surface due to the quality of the opposition we have played in big Wellington Tests.
“It’s no different to what we are facing this week against Argentina. They got us on the nose a few years ago in Christchurch. They started well, so it’s important we don’t let that happen again.”
