New Zealand vs Argentina LIVE: Rugby Championship result and final score as All Blacks crush Pumas
New Zealand secured revenge for defeat in Christchurch last week with a dominant victory in the Hamilton rain
New Zealand thrashed Argentina in Hamilton today 53-3 with an All Blacks performance of old, scoring seven tries to none with the Pumas thoroughly out-classed in the wet. New Zealand played the percentages well but it was their execution and accuracy that made the difference in inclement conditions.
“Obviously massively important,” said captain Sam Cane after the match. “We were under a bit of pressure. This week we were in the game rihgt from the start and were able to turn that into points. I thought our defence was outstanding. Our discipline, too. I’m pleased with the way we kept it on for the full 80. I just love the attacking mindset. It’s awesome. We are really stoked to be able to put out a performance that we are proud of at home. We hadn’t really done that this year.
“There’s always massive pressure and we put it on ourselves too. It was just a nice reward for the hard work we have been putting in and getting everyone to see it.”
Re-live the Test between the All Blacks and the Pumas with our live blog below.
Second half
Right, the players are back out there. Benjamin Urdapilleta is on for Argentina, and kicks off the second half.
H/T: New Zealand 24-3 Argentina
New Zealand have largely played a pragmatic game, but this score from Caleb Clarke was a real gem. Smart option-taking, sharp hands, dynamite finish in space - it’s a trademark All Blacks try.
H/T: New Zealand 24-3 Argentina
Three first-half tries and New Zealand are firmly on top in Hamilton, totally in control despite the driving rain. Argentina have struggled with the greasy surface and ball and the All Blacks have taken full advantage - a familiar tale that will please a rugby public hurting after three consecutive home defeats.
Argentina will start the second half still down to 14 with Tomas Lavanini in the sin bin.
New Zealand 24-3 Argentina, 39 minutes
This really has been a fine response from New Zealand to that defeat a week ago. They have been right on it.
Tomas Lavanini cuts a dejected figure as he re-acquaints himself with the naughty step. He had really improved his discipline, too...
TRY! NEW ZEALAND 24-3 Argentina (Rieko Ioane, 38 minutes)
There’s no denying the All Blacks this time! The scrum go to work, dismantling the under-powered Argentina pack shorn of one their back five forwards. Advantage comes, but New Zealand don’t need it, David Havili threatening the line and producing a delightful no-look ball to Rieko Ioane on his shoulder to coast underneath the posts untouched.
NO TRY! YELLOW CARD! New Zealand 17-3 Argentina, 36 minutes
But Tomas Lavanini’s cynical infringement matters not as Samisoni Taukei’aho burrows to the line! The All Blacks’ forwards bury the ball amongst their number, slowly driving their way forward in groups of two, and eventually the hooker gets over.
Hang on - a TMO check! Brian MacNeice has seen a small knock-on on the floor from Tyrel Lomax in an earlier phase and this will be chalked off!
No try! But Lavanini has been sent to the sin bin for not being back ten when tackling Savea! Argentina 14 behind and down to 14.
New Zealand 17-3 Argentina, 35 minutes
Two more penalties against Argentina. Ardie Savea taps quickly - the visitors aren’t back ten and that’ll be another, and perhaps more serious sanction...
New Zealand 17-3 Argentina, 34 minutes
The crowd like that more - a hanging restart from Richie Mo’unga allows his forward pod on the right to charge after it, Sam Cane and Scott Barrett leading the counter-ruck and forcing Argentina to infringe.
Poked into the corner.
PENALTY! New Zealand 17-3 ARGENTINA (Emiliano Boffelli penalty, 33 minutes)
A switch of strategy from Julian Montoya, gesturing towards the posts as Emiliano Boffelli takes the tee. Boffelli blocks out the boos of the home crowd and Argentina are on the board.
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