All Blacks v Argentina - the key stats

NZ Herald

16 Jul, 2015 03:58 AM2 mins to read

The physical threat the All Blacks face this week will be equally intense as the one they encountered in Samoa, but of an entirely different nature says Kieran Read. The All Black No 8 - who declared himself delighted to be back in the frosty climes of Christchurch and breathing fresh air - spoke like a man who was determined to knock the carnival vibe of last week on the head and restore order with a more accurate, bullish All Black performance.

Ahead of the All Blacks' opening Rugby Championship game of the year, we look at all the stats you need to know.

-The All Blacks have never lost to Argentina (W19 D1) and have won the last 18 meetings between the sides.

-New Zealand have scored at least two tries in each of their 20 games against Los Pumas, averaging 5.3 per game.

-In contrast, Argentina have never scored more than two tries in a game against the All Blacks and have managed just one in the last three Tests between the nations.

-The last seven meetings between the sides have all seen the All Blacks win by 15+ points.

-Steve Hansen's men have won their last six on the bounce and have lost just one of their last 29 games (W27 D1).

-Los Pumas won their last Rugby Championship game but are yet to win away from home in the tournament. However, three of their last four away defeats have been by seven points or fewer.

-New Zealand averaged the most metres per game (480) in the Rugby Championship last year, while Argentina gained the fewest per match (340). Argentina ranked second for clean breaks (6.7) behind the All Blacks (9.5) however.

-Argentina boasted the best ruck success in last year's competition (95%) while New Zealand had the lowest success rate (92%).

-The All Blacks had the best tackling success (88%), while Los Pumas' 83% was the lowest such figure.

-The All Blacks scored the most (18) and conceded the fewest tries (7) in the competition last year.

Stats courtesy of Opta