Argentina v New Zealand Round 2 betting tips | Rugby Championship

Los Pumas v All Blacks Round 2 best bets

Argentina v New Zealand Round 2 preview

Argentina and New Zealand meet in Round 2 of the 2025 Rugby Championship in Buenos Aires in Buenos Aires this Sunday, with kickoff set for 7:10am AEST.

The All Blacks arrive as world No.1 and heavy favourites with the top online bookmakers, chasing a third straight win over Los Pumas, while Argentina are desperate for a first-ever home victory against New Zealand.

After falling 41-24 to the All Blacks in Córdoba last weekend, Pumas coach Felipe Contepomi has made key changes. Juan Martín González has been promoted to openside flanker, while Mateo Carreras returns on the wing as captain Julián Montoya and veteran Pablo Matera rally their side for one last home Test in 2025.

New Zealand arrive full of confidence, bolstered by the return of skipper Scott Barrett and milestone man Codie Taylor, who celebrates his 100th Test cap. The spotlight will also shine on debutant Simon Parker, joining an All Blacks pack anchored by Ardie Savea and Tupou Vaa’i.

Beauden Barrett resumes at fly-half, linking with Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane in a backline stacked with firepower. Coach Scott Robertson has options aplenty from the bench, with Damian McKenzie and Wallace Sititi primed to add late impact.

The history books remain daunting for Argentina — 36 losses from 40 Tests against the All Blacks, and none of their three famous wins have come at home. However, they have caused upsets in recent years, including the 2024 shock in Wellington, and will look to draw inspiration from that breakthrough.

Argentina vs New Zealand Round 2 team lineups

Argentina starting XV

15 Juan Cruz Mallía
14 Bautista Delguy
13 Lucio Cinti
12 Santiago Chocobares
11 Mateo Carreras
10 Tomás Albornoz
9 Gonzalo García
8 Joaquín Oviedo
7 Juan Martín González
6 Pablo Matera
5 Pedro Rubiolo
4 Franco Molina
3 Pedro Delgado
2 Julián Montoya (C)
1 Mayco Vivas

Bench: Ignacio Ruiz, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Joel Sclavi, Guido Petti, Marcos Kremer, Simón Benítez Cruz, Santiago Carreras, Justo Piccardo

New Zealand starting XV

15 Will Jordan
14 Sevu Reece
13 Billy Proctor
12 Jordie Barrett
11 Rieko Ioane
10 Beauden Barrett
9 Cortez Ratima
8 Simon Parker
7 Ardie Savea
6 Tupou Vaa’i
5 Fabian Holland
4 Scott Barrett (C)
3 Fletcher Newell
2 Codie Taylor
1 Ethan de Groot

Bench: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Finlay Christie, Quinn Tupaea, Damian McKenzie

Argentina vs New Zealand betting predictions

The Pumas are strengthened by the return of Carreras and González, but history suggests they will need more than inspiration to upstage New Zealand. The All Blacks’ forward dominance and relentless attack should see them pull clear in the second half. The -10.5 handicap looks well within reach at $1.90 with the top rugby union betting sites.

These teams combined for 65 points last week, and another high-scoring affair is expected. The over 55.5 total points at $1.90 with BetOnline is a strong play given New Zealand’s try-scoring consistency and Argentina’s ability to strike at home.

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