2025 Argentina vs New Zealand All Blacks - Men's

Argentina vs. All Blacks Kickoff Time, Lineups On Aug. 16

Argentina vs. All Blacks Kickoff Time, Lineups On Aug. 16

Argentina hosts New Zealand in the first round of the Rugby Championship. Here's when and who is starting for both teams.

Aug 15, 2025 by Joe Harrington
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Argentina Rugby begins its 2025 Rugby Championship campaign with a home test against the New Zealand All Blacks on Aug. 16, aiming to replicate one of the program’s most famous wins.

In 2024, Los Pumas shocked the rugby world by defeating the All Blacks 38-30 in New Zealand, but fell short a week later at Eden Park, where the All Blacks have not lost since 1994. 

This year, both matches in the series will be in Argentina, giving Felipe Contepomi’s side a rare opportunity to test New Zealand twice on home soil.

The All Blacks enter as the No. 2-ranked team in the world and winners of three straight against France in July. Head coach Scott Robertson’s squad is seeking ranking points ahead of December’s 2027 Rugby World Cup draw. 

“The bar is high, but the All Blacks rarely operate below it,” FloRugby analyst Philip Bendon said.

Argentina Rugby To Face All Blacks Test After Mixed Summer Series

Argentina’s summer form has been mixed. 

The Pumas opened with a win over the British and Irish Lions, dropped two matches to England and then closed July with a dominant victory over Uruguay. 

Ranked No. 7, Argentina is trying to climb back toward the top 5 after slipping behind England and Australia in the World Rugby Rankings.

Kickoff for Argentina vs. New Zealand is set for Aug. 16 in Argentina. 

Stream the match live by subscribing to FloRugby and get the latest news, scores and highlights on FloRugby.com and the FloSports app.

Argentina vs. All Blacks Rugby Kickoff Time For Round 1 Of Rugby Championship

The opening match of the All Blacks-Argentina  Rugby Championship series is at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba, Argentina. The match kicks off at 5:10 p.m. ET. 

How To Stream Los Pumas vs. All Blacks

FloRugby will provide live coverage, replays and analysis for subscribers in North America.

How To Watch Argentina vs. New Zealand Free Stream

This match will also stream for free on the FloRugby Youtube and Facebook accounts in the United States. 

Argentina Rugby Lineup vs. New Zealand 

Los Pumas Starting XV

  1. Mayco Vivas
  2. Julián Montoya (C)
  3. Pedro Delgado
  4. Franco Molina
  5. Pedro Rubiolo
  6. Pablo Matera (VC)
  7. Marcos Kremer
  8. Joaquín Oviedo
  9. Gonzalo García
  10. Tomás Albornoz
  11. Bautista Delguy
  12. Santiago Chocobares
  13. Lucio Cinti
  14. Rodrigo Isgró
  15. Juan Cruz Mallía (VC)

Replacements

  • 16. Ignacio Ruiz
  • 17. Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro
  • 18. Joel Sclavi
  • 19. Guido Petti
  • 20. Juan Martín González
  • 21. Simón Benítez Cruz
  • 22. Santiago Carreras
  • 23. Justo Piccardo

New Zealand Rugby Lineup vs. Argentina 

All Blacks Rugby Starting XV

  1. Ethan de Groot
  2. Codie Taylor
  3. Fletcher Newell
  4. Scott Barrett (C)
  5. Fabian Holland
  6. Tupou Vaa’i
  7. Du’Plessis Kirifi
  8. Ardie Savea (VC)
  9. Cortez Ratima
  10. Beauden Barrett
  11. Rieko Ioane
  12. Jordie Barrett (VC)
  13. Billy Proctor
  14. Sevu Reece
  15. Will Jordan

Replacements

  • 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho
  • 17. Ollie Norris
  • 18. Pasilio Tosi
  • 19. Patrick Tuipulotu
  • 20. Samipeni Finau
  • 21. Finlay Christie
  • 22. Anton Lienert-Brown
  • 23. Damian McKenzie

What To Watch For In Argentina vs. All Blacks Round 1

Scott Robertson is still refining key combinations in the second row, back row, halves and centers. 

Star wing/fullback Will Jordan, who owns 42 tries in 44 tests, headlines a dangerous New Zealand backline. 

“From No. 1 to 23, the All Blacks are blessed with gifted power athletes, each capable of breaking open a match at a moment’s notice,” FloRugby analyst Philip Bendon said.

For Argentina, the counterattack remains its greatest strength. 

Against New Zealand last season in Wellington, Los Pumas scored twice from long range in the first half, exploiting turnovers and loose kicking. 

Fullback Juan Cruz Mallia, a versatile back with multiple European club titles, is expected to be central to that threat.

Consistency, however, is the challenge. Argentina has struggled to back up big wins, a trend Contepomi’s side must reverse to contend in the Championship. 

Bendon noted that “starting this year’s Championship with back-to-back home fixtures against the All Blacks presents a golden opportunity… claiming at least one win should be the minimum.”

The Rugby Championship 2025 Schedule

Aug. 16

Aug. 23

Sept. 6

Sept. 13

Sept. 27

Oct. 4

How To Watch The Rugby Championship 2025

In the United States, rugby fans can watch 2025 The Rugby Championship on FloRugby and the FloSports App. 

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

The URC will stream all its matches on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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