Wallabies are Pumas prey
The All Blacks believe the Pumas can pounce on a wounded Wallaby side and record their maiden Rugby Championship win in Rosario this weekend.
Both teams are reeling following comprehensive defeats to New Zealand and South Africa at the weekend but a spate of injuries has compounded the Wallabies’ woes.
All Black coach Steve Hansen feels Argentina could ambush the Australians if they shake off their defeat in La Plata and play with the attacking mentality they displayed against New Zealand.
"I think they will be playing an Australian side that will be looking at itself a wee bit and when that happens you have to question how much confidence the Australians will come with," Hansen said.
"The big question is how much the Pumas react to [the All Black loss]. I thought they played pretty well but yet the scoreboard [say] they didn't.
"I think if they can master that mentally, then I think they have a real shout of beating Australia here.
"They showed they were good enough to beat them in Australia."
All Black No 8 Kieran Read, who produced a masterclass against the Pumas, agreed that Argentina have their best opportunity yet to register their elusive first win of the competition.
"They definitely played a lot with the ball (in La Plata) and I think if they continue to do what they're doing, then they will get there at some point and I think they're as good a chance as any next week," said Read.
