Hooker Julian Montoya will captain Argentina in his 109th test on Saturday when the Pumas play New Zealand in the home side’s first test in Cordoba in 11 years.

England head into their home World Cup as red-hot favourites amid record-breaking ticket sales and optimism of women’s rugby hitting new heights. The formidable Red Roses have swept aside all before them since suffering defeat to New Zealand in the final of the 2022 tournament.

The annual Rugby Championship, featuring World Cup title-holders South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina, kicks off on Saturday amid uncertainty over its future.

Injuries to lock Patrick Tuipulotu and center Anton Lienert-Brown will force changes to New Zealand’s lineup for the second Rugby Championship test against Argentina in Buenos Aires. Both

New Zealand lock Patrick Tuipulotu may not play another test in the Rugby Championship after suffering a facial fracture against Argentina while centre Anton Lienert-Brown is out of the second Pumas match after failing concussion protocols.

Rugby World Cup organizers announced on Wednesday that the showpiece final to be held on 27 September is already a sellout meaning it will likely set a new record for match attendance. One team hoping to book their place at Twickenham will be the defending champions New Zealand.

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has selected loose-forward Simon Parker among four uncapped players in his extended squad for the Rugby Championship which begins for New Zealand with back-to-back matches in Argentina.

New Zealand’s Samisoni Taukei’aho scored two late tries to seal a 41-24 Rugby Championship win over Argentina and return the All Blacks to the top of the world rankings on Saturday