All Blacks eye end to winless streak in Wellington
The All Blacks host the Pumas on Saturday in the opening round of The Rugby Championship on Saturday at Wellington's Sky Stadium.
FILE: The All Blacks perform the Haka prior to the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between New Zealand and Uruguay at the OL Stadium in Decines-Charpieu, near Lyon, south-eastern France, on 5 October 2023. Picture: Jeff PACHOUD / AFP
WELLINGTON - All Blacks captain Ardie Savea said Friday he expects a physical "battle" against Argentina as New Zealand seek to snap their six-year winless streak in Wellington.
The All Blacks host the Pumas on Saturday in the opening round of The Rugby Championship on Saturday at Wellington's Sky Stadium.
With regular captain Scott Barrett injured, stand-in skipper Savea anticipates a fierce battle of the forwards against an Argentina side packed with strong scrummagers.
"They are powerful men, who can put you in uncomfortable situations. We know Argentina take a lot of pride in their scrums too, so it’s going to be a battle," he told reporters Friday.
Argentina pulled off a shock 25-18 win in Christchurch two years ago -- the Pumas' first and only win over All Blacks on New Zealand soil. Savea is keen to avoid a repeat.
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"We have seen in the past, they’ve come down to Christchurch and done a job on us. We understand the threats Argentina pose, but if we go out there and do our job, hopefully it will put us in good stead."
The capital has not been a happy hunting ground in recent years for the All Blacks, who haven't won any of their four games in Wellington since 2018.
New Zealand lost to Ireland on their last Test at Sky Stadium two years ago when the Irish romped to a 32-22 victory, which clinched the series 2-1.
Before that New Zealand had drawn against both Australia and South Africa in Wellington, as well as also losing a Test to the Springboks at the same venue.
The last time New Zealand won in Wellington was when they saw off France 26-13 in 2018, with two tries by All Blacks back Jordie Barrett, who will be Savea's vice-captain on Saturday.