Putting his hand up: Keven Mealamu
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Hooker Keven Mealamu says taking on the Pumas pack on Argentine soil is the biggest challenge the All Blacks will face this year.
The Rugby Championship newcomers gave New Zealand a rough ride for 60 minutes in Wellington a fortnight ago and Mealamu reckons facing a fired-up set of Pumas forwards is one of the most difficult tasks in world rugby.
"For us I think it's right up there as a forward pack," he told reporters in Buenos Aires.
"Argentina have really set the bench mark so for us to be able to play them at home, it's the biggest challenge we'll face this year definitely."
Mealamu was among the senior squad members given the night off when the All Blacks were given a mighty scare at Velez Sarsfield Stadium in 2006 as they held on for a 25-19 win under intense pressure.
"I can remember the game quite vividly, hearing the chanting of the crowd was amazing," Mealamu recalled.
"In Argentina it's like they grow another leg, they're so much more confident at home and their passion goes to another level when they're playing on front of their own people. I remember seeing that intensity for pretty much the whole game."
The 96-Test veteran's name has been thrown into the hat as a likely successor to Richie McCaw when the All Blacks skipper takes a six-month sabbatical next year.
Although Mealamu stressed there are a number of possible leaders in the team, he would be thrilled to have another chance to captain the side.
"If that's what the All Blacks need then I'll definitely put my hand up and want to do a good job as well," said Mealamu.
"Skip's (McCaw) been a big part of how this team functions and it's a successful way as well so I don't think much will change."
"There's a lot of experience in our team and there's a few guys that can definitely step up and some good leaders in the team that could do the job.
"It's a tough gig. I think we're very lucky to have such a good platform, that we can go out and play well and still lead the team at the same time.
"It's something that you'll always cherish and probably one of the toughest jobs that you could do out there."
Comments
Pietie says...
New Zealand is currently not as good as they think they are. They were very lucky in Dunedin a couple of weeks ago - only the Boks' laager mentality prevented a second successive win for the Boks in Dunedin. Different story in SA next week. They will not beat the Boks in Soweto and the Pumas scrum will test them severely over in Argie.
Posted 10:07 25th September 2012
Rugby_rockstar says...
three more wins and they've matched the world record for 17 consecutive wins in a row...
Lets face it, its only Arg and SA who can realistically stop them now.
Posted 09:19 25th September 2012
porridge_time says...
It certainly is going to be a tough one for the All Blacks... not many teams head to Argentina and win.
Posted 09:09 25th September 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
Puma pack the Toughest challenge this year. I'm sure Bok and England packs will take that as a motivation come their home games
Posted 08:34 25th September 2012