Argentina vs. All Blacks Kickoff Time, Lineups

Argentina Rugby begins its 2025 Rugby Championship campaign with a home test against the New Zealand All Blacks on Aug. 16, aiming to replicate one of the program’s most famous wins.

In 2024, Los Pumas shocked the rugby world by defeating the All Blacks 38-30 in New Zealand, but fell short a week later at Eden Park, where the All Blacks have not lost since 1994. This year, both matches in the series will be in Argentina, giving Felipe Contepomi’s side a rare opportunity to test New Zealand twice on home soil.

The All Blacks enter as the No. 2-ranked team in the world and winners of three straight against France in July. Head coach Scott Robertson’s squad is seeking ranking points ahead of December’s 2027 Rugby World Cup draw. 

“The bar is high, but the All Blacks rarely operate below it,” FloRugby analyst Philip Bendon said.

Argentina Rugby To Face All Black Test After Mixed Summer Series

Argentina’s summer form has been mixed. The Pumas opened with a win over the British and Irish Lions, dropped two matches to England, and then closed July with a dominant victory over Uruguay. Ranked No. 7, Argentina is trying to climb back toward the top five after slipping behind England and Australia.

Kickoff for Argentina vs. New Zealand is set for Aug. 16 in Argentina. Stream the match live by subscribing to FloRugby and get the latest news, scores and highlights on FloRugby.com and the FloSports app.

Argentina vs. All Blacks Rugby Kickoff Time For Round 1 Of Rugby Championship

The opening match of the All Blacks-Argentina  Rugby Championship series is at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba, Argentina. The match kicks off at 5:10 p.m. ET. 

How To Stream Los Pumas vs. All BlacksFloRugby will provide live coverage, replays and analysis for subscribers in North America.How To Watch Argentina vs. New Zealand Free Stream

This match will also stream for free on the FloRugby Youtube and Facebook accounts in the United States. 

Argentina Rugby Lineup vs. New Zealand 

¡Los 23 para enfrentar a los All Blacks en Córdoba! 🇦🇷

¡Hacenos llegar tu mensaje de aliento! 💪#SomosLosPumas pic.twitter.com/zfrZhnuHde

— Los Pumas (@lospumas) August 14, 2025Los Pumas Starting XVMayco VivasJulián Montoya (C)Pedro DelgadoFranco MolinaPedro RubioloPablo Matera (VC)Marcos KremerJoaquín OviedoGonzalo GarcíaTomás AlbornozBautista DelguySantiago ChocobaresLucio CintiRodrigo IsgróJuan Cruz Mallía (VC)Replacements16. Ignacio Ruiz17. Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro18. Joel Sclavi19. Guido Petti20. Juan Martín González21. Simón Benítez Cruz22. Santiago Carreras23. Justo PiccardoNew Zealand Rugby Lineup vs. Argentina 

Skip is back! 🫡

Test One vs Argentina
Sun 9:10am NZT | Sat 6:10pm ART pic.twitter.com/vAIwx5kCOH

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 14, 2025All Blacks Rugby Starting XVEthan de GrootCodie TaylorFletcher NewellScott Barrett (C)Fabian HollandTupou Vaa’iDu’Plessis KirifiArdie Savea (VC)Cortez RatimaBeauden BarrettRieko IoaneJordie Barrett (VC)Billy ProctorSevu ReeceWill JordanReplacements16. Samisoni Taukei’aho17. Ollie Norris18. Pasilio Tosi19. Patrick Tuipulotu20. Samipeni Finau21. Finlay Christie22. Anton Lienert-Brown23. Damian McKenzieWhat To Watch For In Argentina vs. All Blacks Round 1

Scott Robertson is still refining key combinations in the second row, back row, halves and centers. Star wing/fullback Will Jordan, who owns 42 tries in 44 tests, headlines a dangerous New Zealand backline. “From No. 1 to 23, the All Blacks are blessed with gifted power athletes, each capable of breaking open a match at a moment’s notice,” Bendon said.

For Argentina, the counterattack remains its greatest strength. Against New Zealand last season in Wellington, Los Pumas scored twice from long range in the first half, exploiting turnovers and loose kicking. Fullback Juan Cruz Mallia, a versatile back with multiple European club titles, is expected to be central to that threat.

Consistency, however, is the challenge. Argentina has struggled to back up big wins, a trend Contepomi’s side must reverse to contend in the Championship. Bendon noted that “starting this year’s Championship with back-to-back home fixtures against the All Blacks presents a golden opportunity… claiming at least one win should be the minimum.”

The Rugby Championship 2025 Schedule

Aug. 16

Aug. 23

Sept. 6

Sept. 13

Sept. 27

Oct. 4

How To Watch The Rugby Championship 2025

In the United States, rugby fans can watch 2025 The Rugby Championship on FloRugby and the FloSports App. 

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

The URC will stream all its matches on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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