In an impressive opening to the Rugby Championship, the All Blacks achieved a significant victory, defeating Argentina 41-24 in Cordoba on Sunday morning (AEST). This win not only secured a bonus point but also elevated New Zealand to the world No.1 ranking, following a surprising 38-22 loss by the Springboks against the Wallabies.
The All Blacks started strong, showcasing their prowess with a commanding 31-10 lead at halftime, bolstered by two tries each from wing Sevu Reece and replacement hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho. However, the second half posed challenges, as the All Blacks struggled to maintain their dominant form, allowing a late resurgence from the Pumas.
Despite periods of disjointed play and a concerning dip in performance that saw Argentina threatening to claw back the scoreline, the All Blacks managed to hold their ground. A series of changes, including the complete replacement of their front row, appeared to disrupt their rhythm, leading to defensive lapses and increased penalties.
The Pumas capitalised on this upside in momentum, scoring twice in quick succession, narrowing the margin to 31-24. While the All Blacks faced a series of disruptions—including a yellow card for centre Billy Proctor— they ultimately regained composure, denying further scoring opportunities.
Key to their first-half success was No.8 Ardie Savea, who powered over the line for a try following a well-executed rolling maul. Reece added to the tally with a try just after halftime, cementing the All Blacks’ early lead. Will Jordan emerged as a standout performer, contributing with both assists and tactical play that set the stage for their scoring.
Coach Scott Robertson will need to address the team’s lapses in concentration and overall execution in the second halves—an area that has previously plagued his tenure. While the outcome was favourable, they must rectify these inconsistencies as they progress in the tournament. Overall, this match demonstrated both the strengths and areas for improvement within the All Blacks as they strive for continued dominance in the rugby arena.