New Zealand vs Argentina - RWC 2015 preview: What time does it start where can I watch it?

A look ahead to the Pool C fixture between reigning champions New Zealand and Argentina

Nathan Hyde
Sunday 20 September 2015 14:27 BST
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New Zealand are the only first-tier nation that have never lost to Argentina
New Zealand are the only first-tier nation that have never lost to Argentina

It's a big game for...

Nehe Milner-Skudder: The Hurricanes powerhouse said he was shocked when he received a call from an unknown number and was told he had made the All Blacks World Cup squad.

Milner-Skudder, who has made just two appearances for the All Blacks, was called up after Waisake Naholo broke his leg against Argentina in August and the winger has seized the oppurtunity brilliantly, scoring two tries on his debut against Australia.

No one doubts his ability to devastate defences with his fast feet and explosive power but now he will have to to emulate his impressive start to international rugby on the game's biggest stage, as expectant All Black fans are already comparing him to his childhood idol Christian Cullen.

Teams...

New Zealand: Ben Smith; Nehe Milner-Skudder, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea; Dan Carter, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino; Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick; Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Tony Woodcock

Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Victor Vito, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Sonny Bill Williams

Argentina: Joaquin Tuculet; Santiago Cordero, Marcelo Bosch, Juan Martin Hernandez, Juan Imhoff; Nicolas Sanchez, Tomas Cubelli; Leonardo Senatore, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Pablo Matera; Tomas Lavanini, Guido Petti; Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Agustin Creevy (capt), Marcos Ayerza

Replacements: Julian Montoya, Lucas Noguera, Ramino Herrera, Mariano Galarza, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Martin Landajo, Jeronimo De La Fuente, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino

Player to watch...

Marcelo Bosch: This will be his ninth appearance against the All Blacks so the Saracens star will certainly know what to expect and he will be hunting down Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu this afternoon, as he looks to prevent the latter from scoring in ten consecutive World Cup matches.

Bosch is central to the Pumas defence and boasts blistering line speed, he also knows how quick he will have to be today to stop New Zealand from working it wide to their potent wingers, so expect to see him fly up and flatten a few All Blacks with a some thunderous tackles.

Best stat...

If Argentina lose to New Zealand, it will be the first time they have lost to any nation more than twice at a World Cup.

Past three meetings...

New Zealand 39 (Nonu, Piutau, Read, Taylor) Argentina 18 (Creevy 2)The Rugby Championship, July 2015

Argentina 13 (Agulla) New Zealand 34 (Smith, Dagg, Savea, Perenara), The Rugby Championship, September 2014

New Zealand 28 (Savea 2, Messam) Argentina 9, The Rugby Championship, September 2014

Form guide...

New Zealand: WWWLW

Argentina: LLWLW

Vital information:

Kick off time: 4.45pm

TV: Live on ITV, highlights on ITV 4

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