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Sport Nation
All Blacks ready for the roar in Argentina
Kieran Bingham • August 13th, 2025 2:42 pm
Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport
The All Blacks arrive in Cordoba to kick off their Rugby Championship campaign, stepping into one of the most passionate rugby environments in the world.
Facing a fired-up Los Pumas team and a stadium expected to roar with over 50,000 fans, the occasion promises to be as intense as the rugby itself.
Assistant coach Jason Ryan knows the unique pressure and energy that comes with playing in Argentina.
“Every test is different and you've got to grind your way through them, and there’s big momentum shifts that go in big highs and lows, so how you adjust with those is important,” he told Sport Nation’s Scotty & Izzy.
“But I think that Argentina brings a different beast. It’s the first time this year that this team has played in front of 50-plus thousand, and they love their energy.”
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The long journey to South America and time difference also take their toll.
“You’ve got to get your body clock adjusted. That’s the big one. You know, it’s a long haul flight and you lose effectively a whole day,” Ryan added.
Selections at No. 6 remain flexible with options including Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, and Simon Parker, who’s been impressive in his versatility and line-out work.
“We’ve got a six in mind. But what we have got, we’ve got options now... No doubt Simon will get his opportunity.”
The halfback role is more open with Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham sidelined. Finlay Christie returns and brings experience to the mix alongside Cortez Ratima and Kyle Preston to make up the options at No. 9.
“Finn’s been in the environment before, so it’s pretty seamless for him. In that halfback position, what makes it quite easy on the field is if your forward pack’s going forward, he gets the ball in his hands pretty efficiently and our breakdown’s really good,” Ryan said.
Starting fast will be key.
“We’ve got to come out of the blocks really quick and we want to apply some pressure in our game early. I think that will help our 9s and it'll help any potential debutante to find their rhythm in the game and be themselves.”
With a passionate crowd expected and a test full of momentum swings ahead, Ryan’s message is clear, the energy of the occasion is something to embrace.
Listen to the full interview:
