As preparations build for France later this year, the question is who can beat the All Blacks? Forget dark horses, instead think light blue Pumas. With the Rugby world Cup only 90 days away, many sporting know-alls have been pondering the thought, ‘can anyone beat the All Blacks on their way to their first crown in 20 years?' The All Blacks, perennial chokers on the world rugby’s biggest stage, have never looked better heading into a World Cup, their preparation began four seasons ago when Graham Henry took charge. But is there anyone capable of stopping Daniel Carter’s kicking game, Richie McCaw and his loose forwards at the ruck, the Fijian flyers on both wings or the dream front row of Tony Woodcock, Kevin Mealamu, and Carl Hayman? South Africa has been penned down by many as the only team, on their day, to have any chance. They are, after all, the only team to beat the All Blacks in the past three years, but the All Blacks possible quarter-final encounter with Argentina is looking set to be the rumble in the jungle that no one could have predicted. Possibly the most underrated side in world rugby, Argentina have slowly climbed up the rankings since giving the All Blacks, led by Jerry Collins, a fright in Buenos Aires at the start of 2006. The score was 25-19but if the All Blacks were not so well drilled in defence, the final minutes of that match could have derailed the campaign that had taken Henry’s men so long to prepare for. From that match the Argentinians gained the confidence that led them to a super successful tour of Europe at the end of the year. Twickenham was first on the Pumas' schedule and they did not disappoint, defeating a hapless English side, about to lose their coach, Andy Robinson, 25-18. A win in Rome against the Italians, and then a one-point loss to the French, cemented a place in the hallowed top 10 for the Argentinians as they built form heading into the World Cup. A recent 2-0 series whitewash over Ireland, albeit at home, confirmed that the Argentines could go all the way in rugby’s grandest tournament. Grouped with France and Ireland as their main competitors, the world could be shocked by how good this team really is. Leinster star, Felipe Contemponi, is first-rate, falling just outside the top five first-five eights in the game, behind Carter, Stephen Larkham, Jonny Wilkinson, Nick Evans and Frederic Michalak. His attacking prowess is world class and he has proven that his boot can be a match winner as well. Alongside Contemponi, the Pumas are led superbly by Agustin Pichot, the Bristol halfback feeding Contemponi the ball he needs to set up the attacking play the Pumas are famed for. But the Argentinians aren’t just a team of pretty backs, it was the forwards that sent the All Blacks Test to the wire last year. The strength of these men have always been the powerhouse and they have not disappointed while their country has been on the rise. If the Argentineans hit the World Cup in top flight and qualify for the quarters, it’s not only Graham Henry who should be shaking, but all other World Cup nations will have to be careful to avoid being mauled by the Puma's .
