New Zealand v Argentina preview

Published: Friday, 7. September, 2012 in category Argentina
Fernandez Lobbe: Looking forward to facing All Blacks

The Pumas have made an encouraging start to life in the new Rugby Championship with a battling defeat to South Africa followed up with a 16-16 draw with the Springboks in Mendoza.

A clash with the All Blacks in New Zealand is another matter, though, although it is a challenge which Lobbe is anticipating with relish.

"We are definitely looking forward to this game, it is a great opportunity for us," he said.

"It is the highest level you can face in world rugby so we are thrilled to be here and looking forward to it.

"We have trained very hard this week and are just hoping to give everything and have a good game tomorrow."

The forecast is for windy conditions in Wellington on Saturday which, according to Lobbe, could make things difficult.

"Last year for the game against Scotland (in the World Cup) I remember it was really tricky and today we can see that it is the same," he said.

"When the ball is up in the air it does some fun stuff, but it is up to us to adapt ourselves quickly when we have the wind for us or against us and to try and play simple rugby but with perfect execution.

"We will need to be perfect in defence and we will need to be perfect in attack and the word for tomorrow is to try to be perfect in everything you do and give everything you have so you leave the field empty."

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw revealed his team - and the forwards in particular - would favour wet and windy conditions.

"Regardless of whether it's wet or dry, it is going to be a battle up front," he said.

"Our guys were talking about it just before. They are quite excited if it is wet because it gives them the chance to get stuck in. We've just got to make it in our favour rather than theirs."

McCaw, whose men have recorded back-to-back wins over Australia in their opening two matches, welcomed Argentina's inclusion in what was previously the Tri Nations.

"From a New Zealand point of view you want four teams that are going to be hugely competitive and the Argentinians have already shown that," he added.

"They probably should have won their last outing against South Africa. So it makes for a pretty good competition," he said.

"It means you've got to be on the job every week and that's good," he said.