THE REMATCH: FIVE TALKING POINTS

1. What bearing will the death of Argentine football star Diego Maradona have on the Pumas’ performance?

Take a close look at the players’ faces during the national anthems. That will tell us everything, and don’t be surprised if there are tears.

Such emotional scenes could bleed into the game itself.

When referee Nic Berry blows time-on, the Pumas may be so motivated to honour Maradona’s memory that they could act as if they are coated in bullet-proof armour.

2. Is there reason for Berry to be nervous?

Of course. We’re picking the opening minutes will be as intense as a State of Origin rugby league match, especially among the forwards.

If this was played in the amateur era the ref would toss his whistle into the grandstand, and sit back and eat corn chips while the two sets of packs hammered each other.

You can’t do that now. Still, that isn’t reason for Berry to react at the slightest whiff of tension between the two teams. Common sense is imperative. He needs to let the players blow off some steam.

3. What should we make of the Pumas’ team?

Coach Mario Ledesma has made 10 changes to the side that drew 15-15 with theWallabies last weekend and beat the All Blacks a fortnight ago.

Key players remain, however.

Warrior captain and blindside flanker Pablo Matera has been retained, and Marcos Kremer, who made almost 30 tackles against the All Blacks, is at No 7.

First five-eighth Nicolas Sanchez, who scored all the Pumas’ points in their historic 25-15 win over the ABs in Sydney, has a new halfback in Felipe Ezcurra.

Just don’t write the Pumas off. We’vemade that mistake once already.

4. How will the teams handle the heat?

A high of 34 degrees Celsius has been forecast for Newcastle during daylight hours.

Kickoff isn’t until 7.45pm local time, so it should be about 28 degrees but expect the players to be drenched within minutes.

There are no plans for regular stoppages to allow the teams to have drink breaks, but if officials deem them necessary it’s fair enough. Player safety must take priority.

5. What do we expect from Akira ioane?

Just to rip into it, as if this is a World Cup final. Ioane had to be sacrificed during his first run-on start at No 6 when the All Blacks lost to the Aussies in Brisbane, a consequence of specialist prop being needed after Ofa Tu’ungafasi was red carded.

Surely Ioane won’t be so unfortunate in Newcastle.

Let’s see him launch big tackles. And keep control of his temper. Ball carries would be a nice wee bonus.