Rugby Championship: New Zealand 42 Argentina 10
New Zealand rode a first-half try blitz to a 42-10 victory over Argentina in the Rugby Championship at Auckland’s Eden Park on Saturday to avenge last week’s shock loss to the Pumas in Wellington.
Damian McKenzie, skipper Ardie Savea, Caleb Clarke, Will Jordan and Beauden Barrett all crossed to give the All Blacks a 35-3 lead at half-time despite teeming rain and strong winds at the spiritual home of New Zealand rugby.
Jordan added his second try soon after the break to drive home the advantage but the Pumas managed to stem the flood of tries before scoring one of their own through Juan Cruz Mallia in the 72nd minute.
Outhalf McKenzie converted all six All Blacks tries with a perfect night from the kicking tee as New Zealand extended their 30-year unbeaten run at Eden Park to 50 tests.
“Very happy to get the win and respond the way we did,” said New Zealand captain Savea.
“We're the All Blacks, we've got to bring that every week and not rely on a loss to get that response from us.”
The All Blacks had clearly learned the lessons of last week's 38-30 defeat and took a big step up in precision, execution, game management and physicality in difficult conditions.
Argentina's rush defence was unpicked by a Jordie Barrett chip that sent McKenzie over for the first try in the sixth minute and number eight Savea barged over for the second 11 minutes later.
A smart interception by lock Tupou Vaa'i laid the groundwork for winger Clarke's score in the 24th minute and a brilliant offload from scrumhalf TJ Perenara sent Jordan in for his first try on the half-hour mark.
There was still time for Barrett to run a superb line and cut through the defence on a McKenzie pass for the fifth try which sent the Pumas into the break 32 points down with only a Santiago Carreras penalty on the board.
The electric Jordan, making his first start of the season after coming back from injury, forced his way over the line for his 33rd try in 33 internationals shortly after the resumption.
Argentina then tested the New Zealand try line defence through several phases but replacement prop Joel Sclavi knocked on in the process of touching down for what would have their opening try.
Fullback Mallia finally got the Pumas over the line under the posts eight minutes from time and replacement New Zealand hooker Asafo Aumua was shown a yellow card to leave the home side short-handed for the last four minutes.
“We weren't good enough this week, we need to be more consistent, week in, week out,” Argentina captain Julian Montoya said.
“I’m proud of team that we went to look for the game until the last minute. But against this team, you can’t give them one half.”
The All Blacks next head over to South Africa for two tests against the world champion Springboks, while Argentina host Australia in La Plata and Santa Fe in their next two matches in the southern hemisphere championship.
