All Blacks captain Kieran Read backs young players against Argentina

  • 30/09/2017

The All Blacks are looking to stamp their mark in Buenos Aires as they clash with Argentina on Sunday morning (NZ time).

New Zealand will be without a number of key players, including Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane and Ryan Crotty, who are all being rested for the clash.

With a number of key players missing from the match, captain Kieran Read is looking for the rest of the team to step up.

"For us, we've been at home a lot [this season] - just had the one game away," says Reid.

"A few young guys in the mix and really looking forward to stamping our mark and doing the best we can.

"The boys who have stepped into those roles have done a fantastic job and we've got a team who's willing to put everything on the line.

"So no matter who's in that position on the field, they'll go and do their job."

Last time the two nations faced, the Pumas tested the All Blacks and led against the world champions 16-15 at the break.

But the All Blacks ultimately prevailed, pulling away in the last 20 minutes to win 39-22 in New Plymouth.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says the Pumas won't have forgotten the success they enjoyed when allowed to disrupt his team's patterns.

"I think they'll look to come at us at the breakdown and look to kick the ball a wee bit," he says.

"In talking to them afterwards, I think they were pretty happy with that tactics.

"But they're growing their game away from just one or two areas. They're trying to expand how they play and they're starting to get better at it. I think it'll be a really physical encounter."

A win for the All Blacks on Sunday will lock up the Rugby Championship trophy for the second straight year.

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