Argentina vs. New Zealand: Date, Time, Live Stream and 2014 TRC Preview
New Zealand take on Argentina in the first of two back-to-back away fixtures on Saturday, hoping to close out their 2014 Rugby Championship with an unbeaten streak intact.
Daniel Hourcade's Pumas have shown their pedigree once again this year, but the same problems remain as the South Americans continue in search of their maiden victory in the competition.
The table leaders will strive to come away from La Plata this weekend with their place at the table's summit still standing, full viewing details and match-preview information in more depth ahead.
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Date: Saturday, September 27
Time: 5:10 p.m. BST/12:10 p.m. ET
Live Stream: Sky Go (UK, subscription required), SuperSport stream (SA, subscription required)
Key Players to Watch
Argentina: Manuel Montero
His star has been building for some time now, but the Rugby Championship has helped in validating Manuel Montero's potential even further, with even some of the world's biggest teams unable to stop his rampage.
Argentina's 22-year-old showed in a try-scoring display against Australia three weeks ago what a capacity he possesses from breakout play, and he'll need every bit of explosiveness he can muster for the visit of the All Blacks.
There, the threat of Ben Smith promises to test him to the brink, one prolific figure going up against another, with New Zealand's unbeaten streak on the line.
ESPN Scrum's Brett McKay has been so impressed by the winger that he's tipping Super Rugby sides to acquire his talents before anyone else can:
With 14 tries in 16 international appearances, Montero is among the most clinical finishers in his age range and will be hoping his team can create the space necessary for him to shine in La Plata, but that in itself is a monumental task.
New Zealand: Malakai Fekitoa
Ma'a Nonu's broken arm means he will have no more influence on his team's hopes of defending their Rugby Championship crown, but New Zealand's never-ending supply of talent sees Malakai Fekitoa come in as a pleasing replacement.
And that's putting it mildly after Fekitoa showcased some of the most entertaining line-break potential throughout the 2014 Super Rugby campaign, offering a more sleuth-like approach to the centre role.
Still just 22 years of age, the Highlanders gem is creating a wave of optimism over his long-term potential, but assistant coach Ian Foster has moved to quell expectations, per the New Zealand Herald's Patrick McKendry:
"It's gradual. He has had bits and pieces on the park and he's had a reasonable amount of time off the park, so he's learning. It's not a natural shift for him. He likes grabbing the ball and running and he's pretty good at it. There are things he will learn over time but we've got a lot of patience for it.
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Looking at a midfield partnership of Fekitoa and Conrad Smith doesn't really offer Argentina any more optimism than if Nonu were present, but the centre's relative inexperience in the squad does add some intriguing question marks.
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