Eden Park Milestone: Rieko Ioane Eyes Historic 50th Unbeaten Test for All Blacks

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The All Blacks' 30-38 loss in the first Test last weekend had created that situation.

Ioane said, "We've got everything in place, and it is now about freeing ourselves.

"We love playing at Eden Park, and we enjoy the occasion. Last week set up this week as a pinnacle game for us, so we're looking forward to playing there."

Having regained his spot as starting centre, Ioane is keen to make the most of his chance.

"It proves that anyone of us midfielders need to be ready to start."

Ioane said starting one week and being on the bench the next was a fact of All Blacks rugby.

"I had gotten used to starting but this reignites the competition that's always been there. It's healthy competition between us. I'm just the lucky one this week to be given the opportunity."

He said the side had not taken Argentina lightly because anyone wearing the All Blacks jersey takes no team lightly. While there was a period of settling into new demands against England, they are in a better position now.

"We've had over a month together and we understand our game. It's just about execution; whether that's timing or individual skill set, it all needs to come right on the table.

"We have extreme confidence in our clarity now. We know our game, we trust our coaches, we've trusted our review.


"We still trust our team.

"Everything's about getting our confidence up so we can play freely."

Northland-born prop Tamaiti Williams is looking forward to running onto Eden Park again. It will be his parents' and grandparents' first chance to attend the game live for some time.

Given the lack of scrums in the first Test, Williams said the All Blacks forwards had still been working on their combinations with a lot of repetition scrummaging in the lead-up to the game.

"There could be no scrums in the first 20 minutes or there could be 10 scrums in the first 20, either way that doesn't bother me."

While getting out of their half was an issue last week, Williams said the game drivers needed to direct that.

His job was more straightforward.

"As a forward, I can just set them up and listen to their calls and what they want so we can move our way down the field.

"They [Argentina] scrum a bit different from how we do down here, and it's exciting because something different is always cool with different pictures.

"They'll be coming in with some extra confidence as well."

Williams said he enjoys the modern requirement of carrying the ball more.

"I love it. I'm looking forward to the physicality battle and hopefully I can get a few touches early. If that's what our game drivers want me to do, I'll do it."

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