Rugby Championship week 3 preview: Pumas can keep it close in Nelson

Odds and tips included

The Rugby Championship enters its third round of fixtures this weekend with everyone playing catch-up to New Zealand.

The All-Blacks are currently two from two and face Argentina in Trafalgar Park, Nelson. Australia then face South Africa at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.

Both games are live on Sky Sports from 08:35am on Saturday morning. And the Coral News Team have you sorted with previews and tips for both clashes.

New Zealand v Argentina

The All-Blacks could practically seal their sixth Championship here in Nelson. Steve Hansen’s squad have already blitzed the Wallabies and the Springboks in the opening weeks.

And the bad news for Argentina is that they have never beaten New Zealand in 26 attempts. The world champions – as ever – are in imperious form.

However, the Pumas scored a massive win against South Africa in Mendoza recently and will be buoyed by that performance. They’ve certainly got the physicality to match the All-Blacks, but it’ll take a miraculous performance to win here.

Beauden Barrett scored an incredible four tries against Australia last time out, raking in a massive 30 points in total. Mario Ledesma’s side will need to stop the mercurial out-half to have any hope.

Argentina have never got within 15 points of New Zealand in the previous 26 attempts. But the handicap here is set at +/-25 points.

The Pumas will likely lose. But they could keep it tighter than usual. They’re 10/11 to win on the +25 Handicap.

Australia v South Africa