Defending champions New Zealand are all set to take on Argentina in their first pool C match of 2015 Rugby World Cup at the Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday.
The All Blacks, as they are popularly known, are ready to shrug off the 'chokers' tag and ready to begin their quest for the third Rugby World Cup title.
New Zealand captain Richie McCaw is eager to lift the the World Cup once again the way he did four years ago. All Blacks are a star-studded side and have the potential to retain the title. If they manage to do so, they will become the only nation to lift back-to-back Rugby World Cups.
"I don't think we should be afraid of the favouritism tag. It's something we live with all the time anyway. And we shouldn't be afraid of all the expectations that come with being the All Blacks because you get that all the time," All Blacks coach Steve Hansen told the reporters at a press conference ahead of their clash against Argentina on Sunday evening.
"We're expected to win every Test match, so there's no more added pressure for us if you look where we live most of the time on the pressure scale," Hansen said.
The Pumas, as the Argentine are popularly known as, will be looking to slow things down and contain their fiery opponents. The Pumas and the All Blacks have become familiar opponents in this sport, but the former do have the abilities to put up a strong show against the latter. Even if they can't manage to win against New Zealand, they will look to square things up.
The fixture against Argentina has been termed as "not so ideal" by All Blacks coach Hansen. Literally, this is the biggest match of pool C and just like England, the All Blacks will be looking forward to announce their arrival in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
"We expect a real physical battle but they've got classy backs too. What we know about Rugby World Cups is every team will play at a higher ability than they have prior to it. Everyone gets up for it and we expect that from Argentina," Hansen said.
He has named the most experienced New Zealand side against Argentina with a collective of 1,013 caps shared amognst them. Dan Carter, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu and Richie McCaw are few of the players in this side that can help All Blacks create history this year. The other players are also equally good.
Teams:
New Zealand: Ben Smith, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Dan Carter, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Victor Vito, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Sonny Bill Williams.
Argentina: Joaquin Tuculet, Santiago Cordero, Marcelo Bosch, Juan Martin Hernandez, Juan Imhoff, Nicolas Sanchez, Tomas Cubelli; Leonardo Senatore, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Pablo Matera, Tomas Lavanini, Guido Petti, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Agustin Creevy, Marcso Ayerza.
Replacements: Julian Montoya, Lucas Noguera, Ramiro Herrera, Mariano Galarza, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Martin Landajol Jerome De La Fuente, Lucas Gonzalex Amorosino.
Where to watch live:
Get the Highlights HERE
New Zealand vs Argentina is scheduled for a 4:45 pm BST (9:15 pm IST, 11:45 am ET) start. The Rugby World Cup pool C match will can be watched live in India on Sony SIX and the live streaming option will be available on Livsports.
Viewers in the UK can watch the match live on ITV1 and ITV HD, with the live stream option on ITV Player.
Sky Sport will show the match live in New Zealand, while the action can also be watched via live streaming on Sky Go NZ.
Viewers in Australia can watch New Zealand vs Argentina live on Fox Sports 2, with the live stream option on Foxtel Play.
Audience in South Africa can tune in to SuperSport, while the live stream option is on SuperSport Live Video.
Fans in the US can watch the rugby World Cup opening match live on Universal Sports, while the big game can also be live streamed on Universal Sports Online.
