New Zealand vs Argentina Prediction: New Zealand are expected to dominate this game

The Rugby Championship encounter between New Zealand and Argentina will take place at Eden Park, Auckland. In the first-leg encounter, Argentina stunned New Zealand away from home. Can Argentina inflict pain again in this fixture, or will New Zealand change the narratives?

New Zealand was very poor in this Rugby Championship's opener and will have to step up. In their 30-38 defeat, this team did have an excellent first half with a 5-point lead. However, poor second-half performance saw them score just 10 points in the second half, despite scoring 20 in the first half. Heading into this game, this team come in as favorites, and we can expect them to be at their best here. 

New Zealand: Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor (VC), Tyrel Lomax, Tupou Vaa'iVaa'i, Sam Darry, Ethan Blackadder, Dalton Papali'iPapali'i, Ardie Savea (C), TJ Perenara, Damian McKenzie, Caleb Clarke, Jordie Barrett (VC), Rieko Ioane, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett

Argentina will hope they can be at their best in this game, just like how they started this campaign. In the opening encounter, this team was brilliant in securing a win despite a very poor first half that saw them scoring just 15 points. However, the second-half performance was a perfect one, as they scored 23 points, securing a big win for them as underdogs. Heading into this game, Argentina have won three games in a row, two others against Uruguay and France. 

Argentina: Thomas Gallo, Julian Montoya (C), Lucio Sordoni, Marcos Kremer, Pedro Rubiolo, Pablo Matera (VC), Juan Martin Gonzalez, Joaquin Oviedo, Gonzalo Bertranou, Santiago Carreras, Mateo Carreras, Santiago Chocobares, Lucio Cinti, Matias Moroni, Juan Cruz Mallia (VC)

The initial fixture result was sure to be shocking, and this one does not look like it will end with a different result. New Zealand again comes into this game as favourites, and while I expect a much-improved play from them here, I am certain they will dominate this encounter.