The All Blacks overwhelmed Michael Cheika’s Argentina with a stunning start en route to a 41-12 win in their Rugby Championship clash in Mendoza.
Ian Foster’s men scored three tries in the opening 12 minutes and five of their seven in the first half to take the Pumas’ home crowd and advantage completely out of the equation.
“Really pleased with that first half. We knew we had to be physical early it’s a big crowd here and we know what the Argentinians are like when they’ve got their backs up,” Foster said. “The way we took the game away from them early and stayed clinical right through a large part of that game…
“We didn’t go out with a plan to get three tries early but it’s always nice isn’t it? We did a few basic things as well. We stayed composed, did a few nice little things.”
Beauden Barrett of New Zealand breaks a tackle from Mateo Carreras. (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)
Argentina came back hard after halftime but gave themselves too big a margin to make up.
“I thought we got over ambitious in the last 15 which gave them a few free shots at us,” Foster added.
New Zealand’s win will send a warning to the other World Cup contenders.
Ten months after losing to Argentina in New Zealand for the first time, the All Blacks ruled out any possibility of another upset in the Rugby Championship as they romped to a 31-0 halftime lead.
If they go on to success at the World Cup in France, the All Blacks will remember Mendoza in the foothills of the Andes as an important stepping stone.
“The first half we were outstanding,” captain Sam Cane said. “The Pumas came back in the second half and it was a bit of an arm wrestle but I’m really pleased and proud of that result.”
The Pumas shut down the All Blacks with smothering defence to win in Christchurch last year. On Saturday, they so seldom had possession in the first half, they had no way of combating New Zealand’s waves of attack.
“Two teams, different game,” Pumas captain Julian Montoya said. “First half, second half.
“We have to be self-critical. We have to be better for next week (against Australia). But I don’t believe in excuses, I don’t believe in shortcuts. We have to be better, way better.”
The All Blacks quieted concerns about their strength up front with a dominant forward performance. They won penalties from three of the first four scrums and disrupted the Pumas’ lineout, often through lock Josh Lord in his first Test since 2021. Ethan de Groot made a big impact on the All Blacks’ loosehead side.
The Pumas came closest to scoring early from the opening kickoff when they charged down an attempted clearing kick by flyhalf Damian McKenzie, though McKenzie made good by forcing the ball behind the line.
New Zealand’s first try came after five minutes as a signal of things to come. Centre Rieko Ioane sold a dummy and made a break from inside his own half, combining with debutant winger Emoni Narawa. Back-rower Shannon Frizell slipped a pass to lock Scott Barrett and veteran hooker Dane Coles took the last pass to score.
Back-rower Ardie Savea scored two minutes later after a strong run by Narawa down the right touch. The All Blacks won a penalty, took a lineout, moved the ball infield and, after Scott Barrett went close, Savea picked up the ball and dotted it down.
Jordie Barrett, who with brothers Scott and Beauden, were all part of the starting 15, scored in the 11th minute after Beauden broke down the left touch, turning the ball infield to his brother.
McKenzie converted one of the three tries and the All Blacks led 17-0. Argentina chose to kick away its few shreds of possession in the first half, only once using the ball through the hands in which it looked dangerous. Its indiscipline in defense conceded a long string of penalties.
After a hiatus, the All Blacks took up try-scoring again. Rieko Ioane scored a deserved try in the 29th running off a short pass from McKenzie, and scrumhalf Aaron Smith ran off a lineout drive to score in the last minute of the half. Pumas back-rower Rodrigo Bruni was sin-binned in the same movement and Argentina started the second half with 14 men.
The sell-out crowd of 42,500 was brought to its feet for the first time in the 51st when prop Lucio Sordoni scored Argentina’s first try, a moment made more poignant by the fact Sordoni was playing his first test after a 14-month battle with injuries.
The moment was short-lived. Five minutes later from a scrum, McKenzie made a long cross-field run which negated much of the backline defense and passed to Beauden Barrett who scored.
The All Blacks’ defense was tested more regularly in the second half and they responded with some powerful tackles which halted movements in full flow. They were also quick and decisive at the breakdown.
The All Blacks’ last try went to Narawa on debut and might have cemented his place on the right wing.
But replacement Pumas hooker Agustin Creevy had the last say, marking his record-extending 98th test appearance with a try in the 82nd.
There were doubts around the All Blacks coming into this match and after their poor season last year. They answered those while also resting several players who will have key roles in their match against the Springboks next weekend which likely will decide the winner of the Rugby Championship.
(With AAP)
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Not scoring for a 33 minute period isn't ideal but it's fine in a tight game where you are controlling a lead and the other team isn't scoring either. Keep yourself at their end. More of a problem is where the other team is scoring! That's usually been after the subs have come on - Argentina, Australia and England last year. Even in the Scotland game Lomax, Brodie, Cane, Smith and Jordie didn't start. That's what we really need to solve.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
NZ did score 11 in HT but a big gap between the scores. Against Scotland scored trys in mins 2 & 6 and then nothing until min 62 with a penalty. Against England trys min 3 & 8, then nothing till min 41 with a penalty and try min 49 then 20 mins till the DC. While it's great to be able to score lots of tries together, once you don't have it happen in a game NZ still has the long periods on not scoring. Jeff on the breakdown went into the NZ record in the last 20 of recent games. In tight WC games will the ABs change style and keep the scoreboard ticking or will it be 2007 where they were so focused on tries they never even looked to take a DG. Maybe is the kicks success rate but NZ now never seem to be out of sight if 10pts ahead going into the final 15mins, before you needed a miracle if the scores were level. Anyway we will find out next week if NZ can keep the board ticking over.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
That second bit isn't right, we scored 14 in H1 and 11 in H2 which is pretty even. We've definitely had bench issues though and I hope that the improved options we'll have this year will make a difference. By the way, your U20S were very impressive. South Africa pummelled them first half but they held them out and made all the running in the second. Prendegast at ten looks classy.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
It's an 80 minute game and while their starting pack is very good the bench no so much. Feel they still be pending to much on scoring a bunch of tries in a short time but can go long periods without scoring.whichbagainst England was their problem.
Fox
Roar Guru
Yes I thought about that Moaman but he has or had a pretty tricky calf injury - so I think they will ease trhat calf back into it - as he has not played an international game this year. Slow but steady return I reckon and fair enough.
WEST
Roar Guru
We need size and power, can’t match Jordie Barrett size 6 ft 5, 106kg. We need JB at 12 against teams like the Boks or NH teams.. we’ve been getting a hammering in our midfield for years. Can’t afford to not change something. Can’t match Reiko on speed and manoeuvrability. We’ve had ALB & Goodhue & Havili was a wing/fullback most of his career too. Hasn’t worked out so well.. imo. At least Jordie played junior rugby at 12. He has far better understanding than most of these guys. Who simply aren’t big enough.
One Eye
Roar Rookie
Neither of them are naturals in their position (or at least played there their whole career) so they are still learning. ALB is probably verging on cashing in and Havili is out, been mentioned on this thread already but Goodhue is looking good now and his distribution on Sat was World class.
WEST
Roar Guru
That’s just more time in the seat.. Other options are ALB, he’s been sanctioned. David Havili hamstring injury. It’s probably a blessing in disguise, forcing them to operate is the best medicine imo
One Eye
Roar Rookie
The first 10 mins until the score got away from them and they dropped their heads, the Argies were right up in the backs faces and Dmack looked woeful very much shovelling it on to the centres who were going backwards. SA will bring that speed for a lot longer this week and put a lot more pressure on the centres.
One Eye
Roar Rookie
Yep, put RM under huge pressure by spraying the ball all round him.
One Eye
Roar Rookie
Telea looked like a spectator in the SR semi whereas LF put in a man of the match performance in the final - his big difference is work off the ball whereas Telea looks to be a "typical" wing that just stays out on the flank.
One Eye
Roar Rookie
They need to work on their distribution and manipulation, a bit too one dimensional with Jordie trying to bash and Reiko trying to scorch through, to take it to the next level they need to be able to work their outsides into space as well. It was conspicuous in the first 10 mins before the score got away that they (and Dmac) were struggling with the line speed of the Argies and we're putting each other under pressure. SA will last a little longer than 7-10 mins with their line speed attitude.
Colin Fenwick
Roar Rookie
Exactly. As we have seen at other world cups, you need back up to your back up first fives, all have decent game time.
Nick
Roar Rookie
Both were bog standard in SR. & Very good last night. Hopefully that’s the form they continue with. If it is I (ALOT OF us) can ease back on the rants :stoked:
Nobody
Roar Rookie
DMac will be swapped out, and it won’t be the only change. You’re about to see what Foster’s idea of our number 1 team is…
moaman
Roar Guru
I'd surprised were Whitelock not included in the stating combo. Think of the lineouts!
Fox
Roar Guru
Yeah agree Muzzo their 10 was outstanding but he had a pack that was giving him more time on the ball due to their complete dominance and there is no doubt all 10’s regardless of class, fair far better when their pack is not getting beaten up up front. Seems to be an excellent goal kicker as well. I think LF will get a run on the left wing starting – if Jordan is fit he will be considered but don’t think they will risk him so soon when he has nasty top end head migraine issues norTelea IMO. But I would love to see McCleod get a run off the bench at 12 with 20 to go. My back replacements on the bench would be Mounga – Roigard and McCleod if Jordan is not well enough – he won’t start even if he is I don’t think. Obviously if Mounga starts then DMac as he cover FB as well which mean you can have McCleod in there. Yes agreed Goodhue had a good game against Japan as did several other players to be honest. Here’s my feeling. Big T will be in the 23 against the Boks and might even start ( credit to Coles though he is looking the best I have seen him in long time – seems to have his mojo back). I think T Williams might get a run off the bench – might. Obviously if Whitelock is fit he will be on the bench one would think and Retallick will start with Barrett. High Tower Josh had a very good game – especially the lineout and will get the other bench spot at lock IMO. And surely he rested Jacobson because of the finals and he will get a bench spot next week. Roigard will get the bench 9 position as well. BB will be at 15 if WJ is still not ready and he played well against the Pumas. 10 could be Mounga or DMac but I think the way he has connected with Jordie and Reiko with some nice cut out passes and inside balls that gave both more time and space could swing it in his favour but if Irish Joe and Foster do that, Mounga will come on sooner IMO to give him more game time. It is hard to judge just how good the Boks were and yes they were bloody good but the Wallabies got worse not better as the game went on and some were breathing heavy at altitude pretty early on as we don’t go there regularly anymore in Super Rugby and it showed. The Boks bench was far superior as well – they won’t have those advantages in New Zealand and they have never been the best travelling side in Super Rugby
WEST
Roar Guru
Both amazing players, either way you can’t lose. Both bring something different to the table :thumbup: would be good to utilise both in some capacity
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
TBH WEST I’d start with Fainga’anuku over Talea any day & yes Lord was very impressive, but I’d really like to see Luke Jacobson get a run. We’ll just have to wait & see.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Yep Fox, as I do think the Pumas will improve immensely after that first hit out against the AB’s, as we’ll possibly see next weekend, but IMO the AB’s could struggle if both Rassie & Neinbar field their best team. Geez I was impressed with that new first five they have, as I think Pollard might find it hard to displace him. So if Foster can do away with a couple of his favourites & bring in the odd change we’ll in be in with a show. I’d love to see Goodhue called back in, as he had a fantastic game against Japan, & really showed he is back. ATM knowing Foster, I’m leaning toward a Bokke win. Time will tell!