New Zealand crush Argentina for revenge

After losing a week ago to Argentina in their first match of the 2024 Rugby Championship, the New Zealanders got their revenge on Saturday in Auckland by beating the Pumas (42-10).

The All Blacks have made amends for the 38-30 defeat they suffered in Wellington last Saturday: they now have 36 wins against three defeats against Argentina in 39 meetings between the two selections.

Coach Scott Robertson gave his attackers a chance to “redeem” themselves before the match, and they fully repaid his faith.

The Argentine team dominated the game, and coach Felipe Contepomi's players multiplied their mistakes from the beginning.

The All Blacks dominated all sectors of the first half, which ended 35-3, and were also able to rely on the efficiency of the first half, Damian McKenzie, who scored 17 points including the first try, after following up a play at the foot of Jordie Barrett.

Santiago Carreras responded with a timid penalty for Pumas before captain Ardi Savea scored his 27th international try.

The 30-year-old equalled former captain Richie McCaw in the number of tries scored by an All Blacks forward.

After sitting on the bench, third-row Sam Keane won his 96th cap, twelve years after his first, as he plans to retire from international football to play in Japan at the end of the year.

The visitors' only attempt came late in the game through full-back Juan Cruz Mallia, allowing Pumas to regain their lead in the second half, which ended 7-7, thanks to a tight defence at the end.

This was New Zealand's best performance under their new coach, in their fifth match in charge of the three-time world champions.

In two weeks' time, the reigning Rugby World Cup champions will face South Africa in Johannesburg, with Argentina looking to bounce back at home against the Wallabies.

smr/oppo