An Unexpected Visit at the Argentine Classic

The 1-1 draw between Boca Juniors and Racing at La Bombonera had a special twist: the presence of the All Blacks in the stands. The legendary New Zealand rugby team, in Argentina to compete in the Rugby Championship against Los Pumas, decided to witness first-hand the magic of Argentine football and joined La 12 in their chants.

Amid flags, drums, and a sea of blue and gold, the players were amazed by the intensity of the crowd. Fullback Rieko Ioane summed up the experience with a short but powerful message on his social media: “Crazy atmosphere.” Meanwhile, prop Ethan de Groot shared a video enjoying the scene while the chants of the Xeneize fans roared in the background.

Other squad members, including Du’Plessis Kirifi, Fletcher Newell, Damian McKenzie, Ollie Norris, Brodie McAlister, and Sevu Reece, also posted photos and videos, making it clear that the night at the Estadio Alberto J. Armando would be an unforgettable memory.

Preparing for Rugby, But Captivated by Football

The All Blacks arrived in the country to face Los Pumas on Saturday, August 16, at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba, and will meet again a week later, on August 23, at the José Amalfitani Stadium in Buenos Aires. However, before focusing on their tournament debut, they treated themselves to a taste of Argentina’s football culture.

Accustomed to impressive stadiums in the rugby world, the New Zealanders did not hide their astonishment at the passion and intensity of the Xeneize crowd, which never stopped cheering for a single minute. For many of them, it was their first time attending a football match in Argentina, proving that the connection between sports and cultures can be just as powerful as the game itself.

With this visit, the All Blacks added a unique chapter to their stay in Argentina — one where the oval ball met the round one, and Boca Juniors chants echoed just as powerfully as a haka before a big match.