Will Jordan warns All Blacks to match Pumas 'passion' in Rugby Championship opener

Speaking to the All Blacks, Jordan expressed how it was good to reconnect, after arriving in Argentina ahead of the opening match of the Rugby Championship. Scott Robertson's side are out to build on the momentum from their trio of Summer test wins over France. “We built some good combinations [against France]. The whole squad got to go, so everyone's ready to play if needed. On attack, we built some good flow,” he said.

“We expect a lot of passion from Argentina. They'll come hard at our breakdown. Over the last few years, they've challenged us, particularly in the first game. We've lost a couple of those, so the first 20 minutes can be important. Matching their energy and passion in the first 20 minutes playing at home [is a challenge]. They're going to be up for it, so it is important we come out firing.”

Jordan said the challenge for New Zealand would be “to be able to start with the right intensity that allows us to play and be able to use the ball when moving around the park.” Known for his running game, he added: “I like having the ball in my hands so I try and get involved and have an influence where I can, and sometimes it ends up in my hands.”

Argentina’s recent results, including victory over the British & Irish Lions, have reinforced their standing as a major force in the world game. Los Pumas dipped from the winning side of the score-line after two Summer defeats to England, but Jordan is not underestimating Felipe Contepomi's side. “They're a powerhouse in world rugby at the moment, and we know it's going to be a challenge,” Jordan said.

“They have got energy. They look to use the ball, have skilful players, particularly across their backs and a tremendous amount of physicality up front. We've got to balance and match that physicality and try to limit their ability to use their feet and skill.” For Jordan, that means being sharp under the high ball and “building his dominance in that department.”

Assistant coach Jason Holland echoed those sentiments, noting that Argentina are playing a well-rounded and dangerous style under Felipe Contepomi and Kendrick Lynn. “We're well aware of that, and we'll need to make sure we nail our stuff and get our skills right,” Holland said. “Under Felipe Contepomi and Kendrick Lynn they are only a threat through their physicality but through the middle, they are scoring some great tries. We expect a lot of passion and noise around the style of footy they're playing.”

Holland praised the balance in Argentina’s attack. “They have good ability to attack us all over the field with their physicality through the middle. We know we need to be accurate with what we do to limit their attacking opportunities.”

The All Blacks are aiming to carry over improvements from the French series into the Rugby Championship. “There are areas where we played as we wanted, but sometimes, our skill sets let us down, and we didn't get our game going like we wanted,” Holland said. “But we felt we grew nicely through that series and it is important we get that growth again this weekend and into the rest of the Rugby Championship.”