Argentina defeat the All Blacks for the first time on New Zealand soil with a stunning 25-18 victory in Christchurch to send them top of the Rugby Championship alongside Australia
Last Updated: 27/08/22 11:36am
New Zealand’s Rugby Championship campaign suffered a seismic shock as Argentina produced a magnificent performance to defeat the hosts 25-18 in Christchurch on Saturday.
The Pumas achieved their first win over New Zealand just two years ago in another championship match in Sydney and Saturday’s victory was from the same mould with magnificent defence backed up by iron discipline.
“I’m very proud of our team, we are starting to believe what we can do, not just a magic moment like our first win (in Sydney),” said captain Julian Montoya.
“Very, very happy, very, very proud, it’s a very special moment for us.”
New Zealand: Tries: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Caleb Clarke; Conversions: Richie Mo’unga 2; Penalties: 1
Argentina: Tries: Juan Martin Gonzalez; Conversions: Emiliano Boffelli 1; Penalties: 6
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New Zealand captain Sam Cane was disappointed that the All Blacks could not capitalise on a dominant first half but praised Argentina’s resilience
The boot of winger Emiliano Boffelli, who kicked five penalties, kept the visitors in the contest after New Zealand scored two tries in the first half to keep them ahead thanks to Samisoni Taukei’aho and Caleb Clarke.
But ill-discipline throughout the match cost them dearly as flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez scored an opportunist second-half try.
New Zealand, who played the last nine minutes with 14 men after Shannon Frizell was shown a yellow card, will almost certainly be plunged back into the crisis that was apparently ended by their victory over South Africa two weeks ago.
The victory gives Argentina successive wins in the Rugby Championship for the first time after their impressive 48-17 thrashing of Australia in San Juan two weeks ago.
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Argentina captain Julian Montoya felt the Pumas deserved their historic win over the All Blacks due to their hard work and belief and that it wasn’t a one-off ‘magic moment’
They also remain top of the championship standings on points difference ahead of Australia, who earlier beat South Africa 25-17 in Adelaide.
How to watch the 2022 Rugby Championship
Sky Sports will again be bringing you live coverage with New Zealand looking for revenge against Argentina from (8.05am) before Australia face South Africa once again (10.35am) in Round 4 of matches on Saturday, September 3.