Rugby Championship: All blacks are still under pressure

New Zealand prostitute Samisoni Taukei’aho (g) tries to escape South African intervention Eben Etzebeth, August 6, 2022 at Mbombela PHILL MAGAKOE

The climate in New Zealand has yet to subside: If they raise their heads in South Africa and then bolster their squad, the All Blacks must confirm against Argentina, Saturday at home, during the third day of the rugby tournament.

. All blacks on their way?

Never change the winning team. A week after dominating world champions South Africa (35-23) at home and ending a black streak of three consecutive defeats, New Zealand coach Ian Foster decided to take on Puma with the same 15th start instead of facing the Springboks.

Confident of all blacks? Not sure. “We know there are a lot of things we could have done better,” Foster said. “We want to make sure we can confirm that performance and learn from it in order to grow,” added the coach, who saw former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt join his staff as an assistant last week.

Arrival should strengthen New Zealand’s offensive. Pumas adjusted their backlines accordingly, after two weeks of rolling over Australia (48-17). It is clear that Argentina, the current leader of the Rugby Championships, is counting on center size Matthias Morrone and winger Lucio Centi to thwart their opponent today.

. Boks, Wallabies, Duel Wounded Beasts

For Australia, as well as for South Africa, the goal is clear on Saturday in Adelaide: Two weeks after ruminating on their setbacks, the Wallabies and Springboks plan to find colour.

Their first encounter on the main island will be crucial for the world champions, who dream of winning their first rugby tournament since 2019. With the return of Fav de Klerk as half scrum and future Racing 92 player Eric Gillant. Wing, South Africans reinforced.

“It’s a fundamental shock that will set the course for the rest of our rugby tournament, and we believe continuing to be selective will give impetus to our campaign,” coach Jack Nenber explained.

The Australians made six changes, most notably calling the back of Reese Hodge in place of Tom Wright, in a difficult air ball against Pumas.

The Wallabies will once again have to dispense with their regular captain Michael Hooper, who has backed off from the group in order to keep his sanity.