Rugby betting tips: Argentina vs New Zealand predictions, preview and best bets for Rugby Union

The second clash of Rugby Championship action brings a fascinating encounter in Córdoba as Argentina host New Zealand. The build-up to this fixture has been marked by two very different approaches to preparation. The All Blacks tested themselves against top-tier opposition in France across three bruising contests on home soil, winning each and sharpening combinations. Argentina, meanwhile, opted to give several front-line internationals a rest during their two-Test series with an experimental England squad, and the decision came at a cost, as they suffered successive defeats. Read on to find a detailed outright preview and top betting recommendations.

Rugby betting tips: Argentina vs New Zealand Predictions for Rugby Union

Could Argentina’s returning stars turn this into a try-fest against New Zealand?

• Argentina’s last home Tests against England ended in back-to-back defeats, but their squad has been significantly strengthened here
• Beauden Barrett has scored 45 tries for New Zealand, including five against Argentina
• The All Blacks have won seven of the last ten meetings, six of those by more than 30 points

Our Best Bet

Yet, the return of key figures shifts the complexion of the contest significantly. Coach Felipe Contepomi has recalled seasoned campaigners such as Gonzalo Garcia, Tomas Albornoz, Santiago Chocobares, Marcos Kremer, Bautista Delguy and Juan Cruz Mallia, meaning this Pumas side will look much closer to full strength. That reintegration of players who have featured prominently in Europe should restore balance and provide greater cutting edge across the pitch.

New Zealand, however, continue to grapple with injury issues. Six players have been called up as cover, with a notable inclusion being Simon Parker, a flanker yet to debut at international level. Despite those disruptions, Scott Robertson has still been able to assemble an imposing XV, with Beauden Barrett trusted to steer the side from fly-half. He is flanked by a backline full of finishing quality, including Will Jordan, Sevu Reece and Rieko Ioane. Captaincy duties fall to Scott Barrett, who returns from injury to provide leadership up front.

The bookmakers’ markets reflect both New Zealand’s pedigree and Argentina’s improvements, with the visitors priced at 4/11 but facing only a nine-point handicap. That line suggests greater respect for the Pumas, particularly as they are at home and boast a refreshed squad. It is also worth remembering that Argentina stunned the All Blacks in Wellington last year, proving that they are capable of exploiting weaknesses if afforded momentum.

The key tactical battlegrounds will likely revolve around pace and structure. Argentina’s back-row trio of Matera, Kremer and Oviedo should give them strong breakdown presence, while their back three led by Mallia will look to capitalise on turnover ball. For the All Blacks, the onus will fall on Ratima at scrum-half to deliver clean service to Barrett, who must balance his natural attacking instincts with disciplined game management.

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Best Bet for the Day

At bettingtips4you, our philosophy has always been to highlight one tip per fixture rather than clutter readers with a range of speculative selections. This ensures clarity and accountability, as every recommendation can be assessed fairly over time. For Argentina against New Zealand in Córdoba, our chosen play is:

Over 3 Tries In Each Half at 7/2

The rationale behind this choice stems from both sides’ likely tactical approach and personnel. New Zealand have historically dominated Argentina when winning, often running in tries in bunches, and even with some absentees their strike power is clear. Will Jordan and Reece remain prolific finishers, while Ioane and Jordie Barrett provide midfield punch. With Beauden Barrett dictating play and Ardie Savea offering relentless energy from number eight, scoring opportunities are expected to be plentiful.

Argentina, for their part, bring back firepower across the park. Mallia offers pace and composure from full-back, while Delguy and Cinti add sharpness out wide. In the halves, Albornoz and Garcia are reunited and should give the Pumas greater control than they had against England. Their pack, spearheaded by Montoya and reinforced by Matera and Kremer, is capable of providing front-foot ball.

Given New Zealand’s preference for high-tempo rugby and Argentina’s need to meet fire with fire in front of their home supporters, this match is primed for sustained attacking exchanges. With both backlines carrying genuine try-scoring threats and neither side entirely watertight defensively, backing six or more tries spread evenly across the halves at 7/2 feels like excellent value.

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