Smith sounds Pumas warning
Aaron Smith uttered the four letter word in Buenos Aires.
Test. It’s called that for a reason, warned the All Blacks halfback.
Argentinian rugby fans have reason to feel optimistic about the Pumas’ chances of upsetting the All Blacks on Sunday, given the Jaguares’ impressive form in Super Rugby this season.
Although beaten 19-3 by the Crusaders in the final in Christchurch on July 6, the Jaguares were more impressive with the ball and unlucky not to score a couple of tries following rare line breaks.
Smith acknowledged the Jaguares had done well in that competition but suggested it pays to take a deep breath when looking at the bigger picture.
‘‘Their results in Super Rugby would say they are going to have a really good opportunity. But I believe test matches are different,’’ Smith said.
‘‘They are going to have a different team, as well, a few new players coming in. And we are going to have our strongest team out there as well.
‘‘It’s going to be a hard game. It’s called a test match for a reason. So, yeah, take what you will from that.’’
Jaguares players dominate the Puma squad, with coach Mario Ledesma adding European-based stars Nicolas Sanchez, Facundo Isa, Santiago Cordero and Juan Figallo.
Smith, who has earned 82 test caps, will be desperate for the All Blacks to keep a clean record against Argentina under stand-in captain Sam Cane who takes over from the rested Kieran Read.
The two countries have played 28 tests against each other, with the 21-21 draw in Buenos Aires in 1985 the only blot on the All Blacks’ record.
All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster was diplomatic when discussing the Argentina team; he elected to talk up blindside flanker Pablo Matera by saying he was the best player in Super Rugby, and also noted their midfielders and wings can use clever footwork and speed to beat defenders.
Matera was a colossus in the Super Rugby final, and few could argue against him receiving the man of the match award. Foster also suggested Ledesma may be tempted to start Sanchez, who now plays for French club Stade Francais, at first five-eighth.
With eight Crusaders players left in New Zealand to prepare for the test against South Africa on July 27, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will have to field fresh combinations and Highlanders No 10 Josh Ioane is expected to be named on the bench.
Ioane is being mentored by first-string No 10 Beauden Barrett and the pair are rooming together this week.
What role Jordie Barrett will play in this test will be a talking point when the team is revealed tomorrow morning.
He was listed as a utility when the All Blacks squad was named this month, and Foster noted how valuable that will be during the World Cup.
‘‘We would be foolish not to utilise that, to see how he can cover things,’’ Foster said.