New Zealand have reclaimed the mantle as the world rugby’s No.1 side, but only after a spirited Argentina fought back in a 36-13 Rugby Championship clash in Brisbane.
The All Blacks needed to win by 15 points or more to jump South Africa, who had earlier lost for the second-straight week to Australia to open the door.
And New Zealand were cruising at halftime, up 24-3 despite having three other tries overturned in what looked like more one-way traffic after a 39-0 win over Los Pumas on the Gold Coast on Sunday.
The lead was cut to 16 after 51 minutes though, Emiliano Boffelli converting his own try from the sideline at Suncorp Stadium.
Argentina were then camped deep in All Blacks territory for the next 20 minutes but couldn’t find points.
Eventually Ian Foster’s side, featuring a staggering 11 changes to the starting 15 that beat Argentina last weekend, found a way out and Tupou Vaa’i’s second try gave them the buffer they needed.
It allowed Finlay Christie to breath a sigh of relief, the replacement halfback earlier somehow fumbling over the line to spoil a certain try after he had charged down an Argentina kick.
“I’m just glad we got the win,” captain Ardie Savea said of the side returning to world No.1.
“We knew they’d be tough today, but I’m proud of the boys tonight and as the week went this week you didn’t really notice all the changes.
“Spending quarantine together has really tightened the group and … we expect them to come out and perform.”
Patrick Tuipulotu scored the game’s first try before TJ Perenara darted over and Vaa’i crossed just before the break for New Zealand.
Untried at Test level in the No.10 jersey, Argentina’s Santiago Carreras was classy as his side won the second half to take some momentum into next week’s date with the Wallabies.
The All Blacks (20 points) are flying high atop the Rugby Championship standings with four bonus-point wins from four games and will face South Africa for the 100th time when the tournament heads to Townsville on Saturday.
The Springboks (10 points) and Wallabies (nine) are now level on two wins each while the Pumas have been beaten twice by South Africa and the All Blacks.
Frisky
Guest
The All Blacks have won the championship already. Even if they lose both games to the Boks, they have to lose both by over 15 points and even then they are tied. Their for/against is massively in their favour.
JS
Guest
As a Kiwi I would prefer it that way. That the ABs, should they be good enough claim the No. 1 spot back from SA by beating them in a test match. Not through the result of another game.
P2R2
Roar Rookie
Boks prefer the HIGH VELDT....sea level they are susceptible....
P2R2
Roar Rookie
Blame COVID if you want to blame anyone/thing....but thumbs up for admitting you didn't know...
P2R2
Roar Rookie
They are considered HOME games - for all Teams...
P2R2
Roar Rookie
its not NZRU - its NZR...where have you been...you just the same as OtakiCraig...
P2R2
Roar Rookie
its NOT IRB...its WR....where have you been...
P2R2
Roar Rookie
...the move was that BIG because the SBs games (even in OZ) are considered home games...you lost more and gain more points on home games....all Teams have the same standing...
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Did the NZRU and RA use a smoke screen pretending to be in a bad relationship, to take down the Boks? :silly:
PeterK
Roar Guru
Dumb decision IMO, home ground is about conditions and crowd and travel. Anyway I obviously didn't know, so thanks
moaman
Roar Guru
The ranking system is meaningless. It is particularly meaningless when one's own team isn't 'rating' too well! :shocked:
Jacko
Roar Rookie
yeah they are saying only 27deg for next saturday at this point and around 23 at 5pm kickoff. Whilst it could be better its not as hot as it could have been. Both sides are going to struggle with that.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
I thought these matches were awarded home and away status Peter...As in I thought the Boks and Wallabies swapped dressing rooms for their 2 matches. ( 1 home 1 away dressing room ). I dont really put much value on the ratings anyway tbh. To me Abs will be keen to win no matter what the rankings say....
Atlas
Roar Rookie
Ignore my last comment! World Rugby have seemingly decided to assign home advantage equally throughout the Rugby Championship for the purpose of rankings calculations, on a week by week basis, despite the fact that the majority of the games are being played in Australia. That means the Springboks were treated as the home side in last weekend’s loss to the Wallabies. As such, the cumulative effect of their losses has seen them drop below New Zealand in the rankings, after factoring in the All Blacks two wins (‘home’ and ‘away’) over the Pumas. Rugbypass
Atlas
Roar Rookie
Using the online Lassen calculator and World Rugby rankings Australia 84.11 v South Africa 92.49 Australia win at home 1-15 85.65 and SA 90.95 . Argentina 82.86 v New Zealand 90.31 on neutral ground Argentina 82.48 NZ win 15+ 90.69 (91.15 if Brisbane is a home game for Argentina) . As PeterK stated, SA would still hold the #1 ranking, unless Arg home game? Whatever, may be settled next week
tsuru
Roar Rookie
I believe that was indeed the case last week, Machpants. Kick off at 8 pm would have been midday in SA. They were trying to start the “home” games at the most convenient watching time for supporters in the “home” nation. Or maybe the least inconvenient time.
Machpants
Roar Guru
Yeah that's my thoughts too. There maybe a lot of egg on faces of many media outlets comes Monday lunchtime (UK time)
Machpants
Roar Guru
It's ridiculous that the ABs have the number 1 ranking, if it is the case. Because the only way enough points were taken by the ABs is if the game was counted as an Argentinian home game. If that is the case, one of the boks game Vs Oz, in Oz, would be a SA home game.
OtakiCraig
Roar Rookie
gonna be hot in Townsville next week. might be better for the bokke I'd say however, I don't expect the AB's to slow their game down at all. By half time the AB's will switch down a gear with a healthy lead and the bokke will be spewing after trying to chase them down for 40 minutes. However, we'll see ... should be a great game, I expect the same, from both teams ...
OtakiCraig
Roar Rookie
either way, they would be next week anyway. Besides, as fozzy said, points don't matter (IRB table), you have to beat no. 1 before you can be no. 1