Rugby Championship – New Zealand take revenge with big win over Argentina
The All Blacks had to show another face and that was it! After a frantic start to this Rugby Championship, Scott Robertson's men managed to put things right with an undisputed dominance to beat Argentina 42-10. This time, the Pumas, who pulled off the feat last week, showed that they were completely overwhelmed and had no choice but to endure the onslaught.
New Zealand did not appreciate the shock defeat in Wellington last week. On Saturday morning, the All-Blacks recovered during Day 2 of the Rugby Championship with a shootout against Pumas (42-10)In a one-sided encounter, the New Zealanders made the difference in the first half with five tries scored. Scott Robertson's men are reassured ahead of a double header against South Africa.
A thunderous first period
After exploiting the Pumas in Wellington last weekThe All-Blacks were particularly eagerly awaited on Saturday morning during the second day of the Rugby Championship. With the fifteenth amendment and the return of Will Jordan in particular on the right wing, but also Sam Keane in the group, the New Zealanders did not wait to put things into action. From the sixth minute, the locals brought danger to the opposition camp and Beauden Barrett found himself in the Argentine goal from 22 metres out. He struck a great kick over the top to Damien McKenzie who flattens before turning on his own (7-0, 7). Five minutes later, Santiago Carreras took advantage of a poor tackle from Lomax to score three points (7-3, 12th). But the All-Blacks returned to attack and Ardie Savea scored a second try after several stages of pick and roll before the new shift (14-3, 18th).
One-sided early on and Scott Robertson's men are pressing painfully. After two Argentine clearances, Faye intercepts an Argentine pass on the right and the ball quickly flies into the hands of Damian McKenzie who sends his captain Savea through. The third line serves winger Caleb Clarke who settles easily (21-3, 25). On the half-hour mark, TJ Perenara shows all his talent and technical range as he comes off a throw-in, crossing his arms before sending Will Jordan into orbit. The winger scores New Zealand's fourth try (28-3, 32). Before the break, the All-Blacks continue the stages after the penalty. Beauden Barrett finds the space needed between two Argentinians to run and settle his team's fifth try (35-3, 38).
Have a safe return to Jordan
Back in New Zealand’s XV Championship on Saturday morning, Will Jordan scored twice after returning from the dressing room. After a scramble, Savea uses his support to sneak in 22 metres from the opposition. The ball is quickly cleared to McKenzie and Jordie Barrett. The latter serves his winger who scored his 33rd try in a New Zealand shirt in 33 games (42-3, 44). As the rain intensified in Auckland in the second half, technical errors and handballs disrupted the second half as the Argentines recovered. With less than ten minutes to go before the siren, Juan Cruz Mallia saved his honour. In a game that lasted almost 15 stages, he set up Argentine fullback Santiago Chucopares before turning after a tackle from Ratima to score the final try (42-10, 73rd). The end of the match saw Asafo Omoa yellow carded for a dangerous challenge on Mateo Carreras (76th minute).
With this win, the All-Blacks will get their rugby championship campaign back on track ahead of a high-profile double header against South Africa. For their part, the Argentines will host the Australians twice.