The 2025 Rugby Championship promises to be one of the most unpredictable editions of the tournament in its history, and the All Blacks appear crystal clear on what they have to nail to avoid more unwanted history in round one.
The team are in Corboda ahead of their first clash with Los Pumas, and star fullback Will Jordan knows as well as anyone what the Argentines are capable of.
Jordan started on the right wing when New Zealand hosted Argentina in Christchurch in 2022, a game that was famously submitted to the record books as Los Pumas’ first win over the All Blacks on Kiwi soil.
With this weekend’s hosts still searching for their first triumph over the men from New Zealand in Argentina, there’s plenty of motivation for what is well-renowned as one of rugby’s most passionate teams.
Jordan said his team were expecting “a lot of passion” from both their opponents and the local crowd.
“We know they’ll come hard at our breakdown. In the Rugby Championship over the last few years, they’ve really challenged us, particularly in the first game; I think we’ve lost the last couple of those in the Rugby Championship against them,” he told reporters after Tuesday’s training.
Recent results between the two teams have been tight this decade, and the Kiwis aren’t the only side to fall victim to Argentina’s continued growth.
“You only have to go back to a couple of months ago now, when they beat the Lions in Dublin, to show what kind of team they are, and they’ve obviously beaten us a couple of times in the last few years,” Jordan added.
“So, they’re certainly a powerhouse of World Rugby at the moment. Certainly, coming over here, we know it’s going to be a huge challenge.”
The All Blacks have also enjoyed a winning start to 2025, claiming a three-nil series win over France. Jordan outlined what he saw as the biggest positives from the international campaign so far.
“I felt like we built some good combinations. The whole squad got a go, so I think everyone’s ready to play if needed.
“I felt like on attack, we built some good flow, we were able to play to some edges and get some benefit there.”
For the Kiwis, tackling a “confident” Pumas outfit requires “matching that physicality and also trying to limit their ability other use their feet and their skill.”
Jordan expanded on what the game would demand of him in particular.
“For myself, as a back-three player, they’ve shown a huge ability to get up in the air and compete through their kicking game. So, winning the air is going to be an important battle for me. And I think just matching their energy and passion in the opening 20 minutes. Playing at home, they’re going to be pretty up for it, so it’s important we come out firing.”