New Zealand on the road against Argentina

Two months before the start of the 2023 World Cup in France, New Zealand reassured itself by defeating Argentina at home, a few hours after South Africa’s demonstration against Australia, on the day of the first rugby tournament on Saturday. The All Blacks, who will open the World Cup on September 8 against the host country France, did nothing for the “Pumas”, winning (41-12) at the foot of the Andes, in Mendoza.

Less than a year after a shock defeat at home to the Argentines, members of Ardie Savea’s side recited a game of rugby on the first days of this rugby tournament. The format of the competition, which brings together the best nations in the southern hemisphere, has been cut in half this year because of the World Cup.

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Coach Ian Foster’s side, having had a more than mixed year in 2022, twice defeated in Ireland (23-12 then 32-22) and checked in England (25-25), quickly broke away, scoring three tries in the first quarter of an hour. Working upwind, and long flights from the Barrett brothers, it all happened to make the “Pumas” suffer, who ended up reacting 17-0, but were too clumsy to open their counter, in front of 41,000 spectators.

Lack of discipline

Without some of their own executives like Brody Retalik or Sam Whitelock, before receiving South Africans next Saturday in Auckland (09:05), the Blacks have been able to act against South American indiscipline. Holder stunned in the opener, N. 10 Chiefs Damian Mackenzie tried to show himself in the animation, even giving a try to Boden Barrett (57), despite almost succeeding on foot (3/7). Young naturalized Fijian winger from New Zealand Emoni Narawa (23) took advantage of the Argentine flaws to score his first try in the shirt hit by the Silver Ferns.

And the Argentines saved the honor with two attempts, one of them after the whistle, scored by veteran Agustin Crevi (38). In addition to the Blues, the New Zealanders will find Italy, Uruguay and Namibia in their World Cup group.