All Blacks bring on “A” Team to crush Los Pumas

After a shock loss to the Wallabies last week the All Blacks have rolled out the big guns for their next TriNations clash against Argentina. They have rolled out what appears to be their “A” Team minus tighthead prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi who’s season was ended at the SANZAR judiciary this week, copping a 3-week suspension for his red card offence against the Wallabies last week.

Let’s take a look;

A few things of note;

1. Joe Moody is back after concussion saw him sit out the last two test matches. The Wallabies have been pretty competitive at scrum time so having your number 1 Loose Head prop is sure to provide a competitive edge.
2. Lomax has had a dream month in the All Blacks. Called in to replace Laulala in Wellington he’s performed well and now with Tu’ungafasi’s season over he assumes the starting Tighthead
3. Tuipulotu back in the starting side at lock to partner Whitelock and surprisingly youngster Tupou Va’ai is on the bench. Scott Barrett looks to have paid for his silly yellow card which put the All Blacks under extreme pressure. Va’ai is a solid lock that if the All Blacks can nurse through his formative international experience may become a “Patrick Tuipulotu” type power lock.
4. Akira Ioane can rightly be felt hard done by. Probably the best All Black on the park for the first 20mins before being replaced due to Tu’ungafasi’s red card. He will need to bide his time as the current loose trio is settled and performing well. Frizell’s tight game is developing well and while he may never be a Jerome Kaino level blindside, he’s serviceable when partnered with Ardie Savea and Sam Cane. Akira’s Ioane’s loose game may not be the best as part of that combination.

Prediction for this weekend? All Blacks by 10 points.