What Argentina need to do to beat the All Blacks

The All Blacks arrive in Argentina to battle Los Pumas following their first loss of 2018.

The All Blacks are known to bounce back from defeats and put in fantastic performances but we take a look at what Mario Ledesma's side must do to cause an upset. 

A win is not completely out of the question for Argentina after the Jaguares claimed two wins over New Zealand sides in the Super Rugby this year but they were not able to claim wins at home against the Crusaders and Hurricanes.

1. Go back to traditional strengths

Argentina was renowned for their set pieces in the past with a furious pack that was the envy of some of the top test sides.

Unfortunately, their scrummaging has fallen off in recent times. Mario Ledesma has identified this with all of his overseas-based players being front rowers.

The Pumas have developed their running game since joining the Rugby Championship but their scrum dominance has suffered in return. 

A fix in this department will certainly be a step in the right direction if they were to claim their first win over the All Blacks.

2. Use their bench effectively

The Pumas can learn a lot from the Springboks win over the All Blacks in Wellington. 

One of the most telling factors that got the Springboks over the line was the impact made by the men on the bench.

The Springboks were forced to make early changes, especially in the backline, but the men on the bench certainly put their hand up.

A full 80-minute performance, maybe more, will be required to beat the world's best side and Ledesma will need to make substitutions to keep the intensity up.

3. Sanchez must be firing

The Pumas no.10 has been in sensational form so far in the competition and will need to continue his fine form if Argentina have a hope of winning this game.

Sanchez played a vital role in both of Los Pumas wins over the Springboks and Wallabies and will need to produce something extra special to topple the All Blacks.

The 29-year-old normally rises to the occasion against the All Blacks as he scored a try, drop goal, conversion and penalty when the two sides met in New Zealand last year.

4. Defend, defend and defend

The Springboks tackled their way to victory in Wellington a fortnight ago and Argentina will be required to the same in Buenos Aires this weekend.

The Springboks were reasonably disciplined on defence giving the All Blacks a few opportunities through ill-discipline.

Argentina will be forced to make a number of tackles and keeping all of their men on the pitch will also be key.

5. Score before and after halftime

A number of test sides can keep the game close with the All Blacks for 30 minutes before the All Blacks rack up points before and after the break.

The 10 minutes prior and after the break is normally when New Zealand start to take control of the game.

Turning the tactic around is something the South Africans were able to do as they punished the All Blacks mistakes as they converted a penalty before the break before scoring a try after.

That 10 point swing gave the Springboks a 14-point cushion heading into the final 30 minutes of the encounter.