Los Pumas

The All Blacks play Argentina in Buenos Aires this weekend. Naturally the largely arrogant NZ public are expecting a thrashing.... but im not so sure.

I expect the ABs to win, but we have never, and I mean never, played well in Buenos Aires. In 1986 we drew with Hugo Porta's side (the Maradona of Rugby in Argentina) and the last time we were there was in 2001, where only a last minute Scott Robertson try saved the ABs.

This time around the selectors have continued with their rotation policy, by selecting an entirely new starting 15 from the series against Ireland. Big Jerry will captain the side, and Dan Carter plays his first test this year.

The media are also saying we should only play our top 15 - you only have to look back at the 99 and 03 World Cups to see that doesnt work - both times we had players forced to play out of position to cover injuries - Cullen at Centre in 99 and MacDonald at Centre in 03 covering Umaga.

Personally I think its fantastic that we can effectively field two world class teams and expect to win. This doesnt devalue the jersey, it gives us the depth to have the best possible crack at the World Cup next year. Henry and Co are working on the assumption that we are going to probably lose one of our top line players, so its important that other options are there. Who's to say Carter or McCaw wont break a leg or pull a muscle the week before the final? At least we will be prepared.

So this weekend, given the ABs will be trying new options, and the intense nature of a game in South America - dont expect a thrashing.

For the record - My pick for the AB team that will win the Cup.
15. MacDonald, 14. Gear, 13. Muliaina, 12. Mauger, 11. Sivivatu, 10. Carter, 9. Weepu, 8. So'oialo, 7. McCaw (c), 6. Collins, 5. Eaton, 4. Jack, 3. Hayman, 2. Oliver, 1. Woodcock.

Reserves: Sommerville, Mealamu, Flavell, Lauaki, Kelleher, McAlister, Nonu.

UPDATE: Final score All Blacks 25, Los Pumas 19 (3 tries to 1). Referee was a disgrace, way out of his depth.

A wins a win and as captain Jerry Collins said during his post match interview - "Its not the sort of game people want to see, but ff oh ah who cares"