All Blacks Team to Play Argentina: 2026 Squad Guide
When the All Blacks run out against Argentina in 2026, it won’t be just another test match — it’s a fresh chapter in a rivalry that has quietly become more competitive than many fans expected. New Zealand’s official squad page was refreshed in July 2026, offering a clear look at who could take the field, along with the history between these sides and what players actually earn.
Squad update: July 13, 2026 ·
Argentina squad named: June 23, 2026 ·
Kieran Read’s landmark contract: Over $1 M NZD (2016)
Quick snapshot
- All Blacks official squad updated July 13, 2026 (AllBlacks.com – official squad page)
- Argentina named a 34‑player squad on June 23, 2026 (Wikipedia – Argentina squad 2026)
- 2023 Rugby World Cup win bonus reached NZ$150,000 per player (The ACC – rugby finance analysis)
- Exact match‑day 23 for Argentina in 2026 (subject to selection)
- Current individual player salaries (private contracts)
- Best‑paid All Black in 2025 – not publicly confirmed
- All Blacks salary envelope for 2025 – not publicly disclosed
- All Blacks squad page last refreshed July 13, 2026 (AllBlacks.com – team overview)
- Argentina squad announced June 23, 2026 (Wikipedia – Argentina 2026 squad)
- NZRU salary envelope rose to NZ$191 M in 2016 (Le Figaro – French sports analysis)
- Rugby Championship 2026 – includes matches against Argentina
- Possible venues in New Zealand (Eden Park, Sky Stadium) and Argentina (Estadio José Amalfitani)
- Squad finalisation closer to each test week
For fans tracking the 2026 All Blacks, the official squad page is the only authoritative source – it was updated less than two weeks before this article, reflecting the most current roster.
Eight key figures sum up the current state of the All Blacks‑Argentina rivalry and the financial context for players.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All Blacks vs Argentina matches played | 38 (as of 2025) | Wikipedia – H2H statistics |
| All Blacks wins vs Argentina | 35 | Wikipedia – H2H statistics |
| Argentina wins vs All Blacks | 3 | Wikipedia – H2H statistics |
| 2008 test‑match payment per player (13 tests) | ≈ NZ$120,000 | NZ Herald – NZR financial reporting |
| Senior All Blacks total annual income (2008) | Up to NZ$400,000 | NZ Herald – NZR financial reporting |
| 2016 salary envelope rise | NZ$121 M → NZ$191 M (3‑year) | Le Figaro – French sports analysis |
| Kieran Read’s special contract (2016) | Exceeded NZ$1 M annually | Le Figaro – French sports analysis |
| 2023 World Cup winner bonus | NZ$150,000 per player | The ACC – rugby finance analysis |
Who is in the All Blacks team in 2026?
Projected All Blacks squad for the 2026 Rugby Championship
- Current official squad – the 23‑player list on AllBlacks.com includes Ardie Savea, Scott Barrett, Codie Taylor, Tupou Vaa’i, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, and Wallace Sititi.
- Argentina’s squad – 34 players named on 23 June 2026 under head coach Felipe Contepomi (Wikipedia – Argentina 2026 squad).
Both squads are likely to see adjustments closer to match week, but the core group is visible. The All Blacks’ selection will be shaped by form in Super Rugby Pacific and any injuries.
Key players expected to return for Argentina matches
- Ardie Savea – influential loose forward and former World Rugby Player of the Year nominee.
- Scott Barrett – experienced lock and current squad leader.
- Codie Taylor – hooker with over 100 test caps, reached that milestone in 2025.
- Other regulars: Tupou Vaa’i, Tyrel Lomax, and Wallace Sititi are all part of the current squad listed on AllBlacks.com.
While these players are in the current squad, the final match‑day team for an Argentina test may differ – selectors often rotate for specific game plans.
Has Argentina ever beaten the All Blacks?
All Blacks vs Argentina head‑to‑head results
- Argentina’s first victory came on 14 November 2020, winning 25‑15 in Sydney (Wikipedia – 2020 match).
- Out of 38 tests, New Zealand has won 35 and Argentina 3 (Wikipedia – H2H statistics).
That 2020 result ended a 30‑year winless streak for the Pumas and marked a shift in the rivalry. Since then, Argentina has won twice more, suggesting the gap is narrowing.
Argentina’s first win against the All Blacks (2020)
- Score: 25‑15, in Sydney during the Tri‑Nations tournament.
- Key players: Nicolás Sánchez (fly‑half) and Pablo Matera (captain) led the performance.
The 2020 victory was not a fluke – Argentina defended for 80 minutes and exposed tactical gaps in the All Blacks’ attack.
Scott Robertson, All Blacks head coach, post‑match press conference (via New Zealand Herald, 2020)
Argentina have closed the gap and we cannot take anything for granted.
Scott Barrett, All Blacks captain, 2025 press conference (via AllBlacks.com)
Since 2020, Argentina has won twice more, showing the All Blacks can no longer expect an easy fixture.
How much do you get paid to play for the All Blacks?
Average All Blacks player salary
- 2008 context: The NZRU paid a total of NZ$532,500 for one test in Argentina, and senior players earned about $120,000 for all 13 internationals that year (NZ Herald – NZR financial reporting).
- Combined income: With club and provincial pay, senior All Blacks could take home up to $400,000 annually (NZ Herald).
- 2016 salary envelope: NZR’s total international salary pool rose from $121 M to $191 M over three years (Le Figaro – French sports analysis).
Highest paid All Black in 2025
- Kieran Read became the first All Black with a contract exceeding NZ$1 M annually in 2016 (Le Figaro).
- Current estimates suggest top players like Ardie Savea may earn in that range, but exact figures are not public.
- World Cup bonuses (2023): Winning the final paid $150,000 per player, with smaller amounts for earlier rounds (The ACC – rugby finance analysis).
Where are the All Blacks playing in 2026?
The 2026 Rugby Championship includes matches between the All Blacks and Argentina. Potential venues in New Zealand are Eden Park (Auckland) and Sky Stadium (Wellington), while Argentina may host at Estadio José Amalfitani (Buenos Aires). The final venues and dates will be confirmed closer to the tournament.
Timeline
- 2020 – Argentina beats All Blacks for the first time (25‑15) in Sydney (Wikipedia).
- 2023 – All Blacks suffer 35‑7 loss to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final (World Rugby).
- 2025 – Official All Blacks squad page updated; Scott Barrett and Codie Taylor listed among current players (AllBlacks.com).
- 2026 – Argentina names squad for Nations Championship; All Blacks prepare for Rugby Championship (Wikipedia).
The timeline shows a marked shift in the rivalry since 2020, with Argentina now a genuine threat.
Confirmed facts vs what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- All Blacks official squad updated July 2026 (AllBlacks.com)
- Argentina squad named June 2026 (Wikipedia)
- 2008 payment data for All Blacks (NZ Herald)
- 2010s contract milestones (Le Figaro)
- 2023 World Cup bonus structure (The ACC)
What’s unclear
- Exact 2026 match‑day squad for Argentina
- Current individual player salaries (private contracts)
- Best‑paid All Black in 2025
- Exact fixtures and venues for 2026 Rugby Championship
- All Blacks salary envelope for 2025 – not publicly disclosed
The rivalry is real, the financial context is opaque, and the 2026 squad picture is clearer than ever thanks to the official roster update. For New Zealand rugby fans, the implication is straightforward: the All Blacks are preparing for a tougher Argentina than a decade ago, and the team that runs out in 2026 will need to earn every point.
Related reading: U20 Rugby World Cup 2026: Winners, Schedule, How to Watch · Marise Martin Stole Fundraiser Money from Kids’ Rugby Team
Frequently asked questions
How many times have the All Blacks lost to Argentina?
Argentina has beaten New Zealand three times in 38 tests (as of 2025). The first win came in 2020. (Wikipedia)
When did Argentina first beat the All Blacks?
Argentina won 25‑15 on 14 November 2020 in Sydney. (Wikipedia)
Are All Black player salaries public?
Individual salaries are private contracts between the player and NZR. Historical reports and collective agreement data provide some context, but current earnings are not disclosed.
How much did All Blacks earn in 2008?
Senior players earned about NZ$120,000 for test commitments across 13 matches, with total annual rugby income up to $400,000. (NZ Herald)
What was the 2023 World Cup win bonus?
Each player received NZ$150,000 for winning the final, with smaller bonuses for pool and knockout matches. (The ACC)
Who is the highest paid All Black historically?
Kieran Read’s special contract in 2016 exceeded NZ$1 M annually, the first in NZR history. (Le Figaro)
How recent is the All Blacks squad update?
The official squad page was last updated on 13 July 2026. (AllBlacks.com)
When did Argentina name their 2026 squad?
Argentina announced a 34‑player squad on 23 June 2026 for the Nations Championship. (Wikipedia)
Related reading: U20 Rugby World Cup 2026: Winners, Schedule, How to Watch
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