Three questions: Will Argentina resort to cheap stuff?

Brodie Retallick will be looking to repeat the All Blacks' World Cup win over Argentina. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Herald rugby writers Patrick McKendry and Gregor Paul answer three key questions ahead of the All Blacks' clash with Argentina in Hamilton tonight.

1. The All Blacks are listed as $1.04 favourites and are on a 13-game winning streak. How much of a threat will Argentina realistically be?

PM: A genuine threat. They will ask serious questions all over the park, most particularly at set piece and at the breakdown. Do they have the firepower and belief to win though? Possibly not, but it could be close.

GP: They are a good team. Tough, physical and creative at times. The Pumas will be capable of pushing the All Blacks for 70 minutes but still a long shot to push on to win.

2. The Wallabies adopted a confrontational approach to try to unsettle the All Blacks in the last game. What approach will the Argentines adopt?

PM: I'm not expecting the silly stuff the Wallabies put in against the All Blacks in Wellington, but the Pumas have to be physically confrontational nonetheless. They can't afford to take a back step.

GP: I can't see them mucking about with the cheap stuff. Argentina will play hard but fair.

Who has the most to gain or lose in tonight's match (and why)?

PM: The All Blacks - because they've never lost to Argentina, last lost in New Zealand way back in 2009 (at Waikato Stadium against the Boks, as it happens), and are on a 13-game streak.

GP: The All Blacks but not in any different way to normal. They will know they are good enough to win so it will hurt if they don't.