The All Blacks kick-off the defence of their Rugby World Cup crown with a game against their Rugby Championship rivals Argentina. The Pumas are on an upward curve after the Rugby Championship, but they have never beaten New Zealand in their history.

After beating South Africa earlier this year and doing the same to Australia last year, they certainly have the belief – so can they finally get over the line, or will the World Champions swat them aside?

NEW ZEALAND

The reigning champions will look to ignite their title defence on Sunday afternoon with undoubtedly the most difficult clash of their group stage. The Argentines will provide, at the very least, an implacable test for the perennial favourites, who will have to be on their guard to avoid an early upset.

However, given the relatively comfortable manner with which they have dealt with Los Pumas since their introduction to The Rugby Championship, one imagines that McCaw and Co won’t be losing a lot of sleep over this one. In the last five meetings between the sides, Argentina have yet to come within two scores of the All Blacks.

They will however face a predictably stern test at the set piece on the hallowed Wembley turf. It will be a detail the other fancied sides will likely watch with interest. Whilst their scrum improved significantly in the back end of 2014 and into 2015, it has been one area which the Kiwis have arguably been below world-class.

With the French fielding a monstrous front-row, as well as Ireland and Australia looking increasingly solid in that department in recent times, along with traditional powerhouses England and South Africa this will likely be an area that a number of teams will look to attack the world champions. A strong showing here will put to bed the deepest fears of travelling Kiwi fans.

One to watch: Owen Franks

A huge tournament is in prospect for Owen Franks. One of the best props around the park, he will have to offer a rock solid base both on Sunday and throughout the tournament if New Zealand are to retain their crown. There is no sterner test at present than Marcos Ayerza.

World Cups are rarely won by teams with the most firepower, but those with the strongest foundations. Franks needs to be immovable if New Zealand are to retain their crown.

ARGENTINA

What to make of Argentina? This iteration of Los Pumas does not possess the quality in key areas that the 2007 vintage did, but they are still vastly experienced and will be both battle hardened and buoyed by a tough Rugby Championship which culminated in a first win in South Africa. They will provide a serious test for New Zealand, despite their inability to get particularly close to them in recent encounters.

Much will depend on the half backs and who is selected outside Tomas Cubelli. Whether Juan Martin Hernandez, the mercurial if occasionally confounding ‘utility’ man or the more measured Nicolas Sanchez gets the nod, it will say a great deal about Argentina’s plans. Pragmatism versus incision. Even if they opt for Sanchez, there is still enough invention in their backline to upset the All Blacks.

Juan Imhoff and Marcelo Bosch both have the rapier like thrust that could catch New Zealand unawares. One also hopes to catch a glimpse of the electrifying talent of Santiago Cordero, a young star with the potential to light up the tournament.

One to watch: Agustin Creevy

The quicksilver Cordero and muscular Ayerza are both prize draws, but any rugby purist cannot help but warm to a true amateur throwback, Argentine captain Agustin Creevy. With his socks down and calfs swollen, he looks just as likely to run out for your dad’s local vets side as at a Rugby World Cup. But make no mistake, he is a leader and talisman with that raw man strength that no amount of gym time can replicate. Abrasive in the tight and a bustling presence around the park, his tone setting intensity will be vital if Argentina are to pull off what would be one of the all-time upsets.

PREDICTION

If Argentina can go to work on New Zealand and be disruptive in the tight, keeping things close at the 60 minute mark, then anything could happen. But anything other than a perfect first 20 will likely see them too far off the pace to trouble this awesome All Black outfit. New Zealand by 12.

By Patch Cheshire (@jpcheshire)

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images