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.
PENALTY! NEW ZEALAND 3-0 Argentina (Richie Mo’unga penalty, 3 minutes)
No messing around from New Zealand early on - a first chance at points taken as Richie Mo’unga’s kick cuts cleanly through the rain.
New Zealand 0-0 Argentina, 2 minutes
Some nifty handling from the All Blacks as they threaten the left edge, but Rieko Ioane can’t quite wriggle his arms free to connect with an onrushing Jordie Barrett with line in sight. Aaron Smith is caught at the base of a ruck, so back they will go for the penalty.
New Zealand 0-0 Argentina, 1 minute
Richie Mo’unga’s kick-off lands in the hands of Pablo Matera, who drops to a knee to take it but carries firmly. But there’s an error! Tomas Lavanini fumbles and the All Blacks have immediate attacking ball - and a penalty advantage...
Here we go
Australia’s Nic Berry has the whistle in hand, assisted by his compatriot Jordan Way and last week’s referee Nika Amashukeli. The Irish brogue of Brian MacNeice will rule on anything requiring TMO intervention.
New Zealand will kick things off - here we go!
Haka
Aaron Smith leads the Haka, right arm shaking as he wanders between his teammates, Rieko Ioane and Caleb Clarke growling. Pablo Matera, who of course played in New Zealand for the Crusaders this year, greets the All Blacks’ challenge with a broad grin. He’s ready.
Anthems
The scattered travelling fans bounce along to the Argentine national anthem, waiting for tenor Carlos Navae and the team to launch into that powerful final verse. Players and supporters look rather excited. Can Argentina go back-to-back?
The All Blacks join along more calmly as they sing “God Defend New Zealand”, first in Maori, then in English, as is tradition. Sam Cane stares off into the middle distance with a head full of thoughts wrapped in familiar white strapping.
Argentina emerge
It appears the rain has relented a little as Julian Montoya leads his side out past the Argentina flag, which flutters in the gusting breeze.
The All Blacks players trot out next, slapping the hands of fans leaning over the tunnel, warmed by a strong ovation as they assemble for the national anthems.
Here come the players
The Argentina squad gather in a huddle in the dressing room, looking focussed. Plenty of energy in the All Blacks’ sheds. They will be properly hurting, but if they can channel it in the right way it remains a side blessed with true game-breakers.
It’s wet!
It’s still pretty grim in Hamilton, the crowd sheltering under tarpaulins and thick waterproof layers. Joe Schmidt and Ian Foster have been wandering about beneath umbrellas; Michael Cheika hiding under a hood. Both kicking games should be key.
New Zealand vs Argentina
Not too long until kick-off now. It is worth noting that Argentina are the only side in the 2022 Rugby Championship with a positive points difference - aided, of course, by that big win over Australia in Round Two. They might just fancy their chances of the overall title, too, if they can get at least a bonus point today, finishing with fixtures home and away against a South African side that has lost a couple of key men in the last week.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments