An inspired Argentina played with greater discipline to upset New Zealand 29-23 in a bruising Rugby Championship Test on Sunday, marking their first-ever home win over the All Blacks. The match, held at Estadio Velez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires, saw the Pumas outscored three tries to two, but replacement fly-half Santiago Carreras landed three crucial second-half penalties to secure the historic victory.
The Pumas’ captain, Julian Montoya, attributed the win to the passionate support from the home crowd and the team’s resilience. “The stadium was rocking, honestly it was amazing. I’m really proud of the team and the whole squad,” Montoya expressed after the match. “We believed that we could win — we’ve believed for a few years now. We came back from a tough loss in the last game and we stayed in the fight.”
New Zealand’s Struggle and Response
Despite the loss, New Zealand managed to earn a bonus point through a late penalty goal by Damian McKenzie, keeping them at the top of the Rugby Championship standings after two rounds. However, all four teams in the championship have now recorded a win and a loss, following the Springboks’ earlier victory over the Wallabies in Cape Town.
The All Blacks faced significant challenges, including conceding three yellow cards, which left them defending with only 13 men late in the first half. New Zealand captain Scott Barrett acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, stating, “I think they showed more passion and intensity. They got over the gain line and they held the ball, while we gave away penalties which just fed their game. They’re a quality team and we were outclassed.”
Argentina’s Tactical Brilliance
Argentina’s victory was a testament to their tactical prowess and ability to capitalize on New Zealand’s errors. The Pumas suffered an early setback when influential fly-half Tomas Albornoz was forced out of the game, but they managed to maintain their composure and adjust their strategy effectively.
Trailing 6-3, the All Blacks enjoyed a brief period of dominance, with tries from Billy Proctor and Fletcher Newell. However, a yellow card to New Zealand’s Will Jordan for deliberate obstruction shifted momentum back to the Pumas. Flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez scored a try to level the scores, and Tupou Vaa’i’s sin-binning for a deliberate knockdown further hindered the All Blacks.
Second Half Surge
In the second half, Carreras’ penalties and a try from scrum-half Gonzalo Garcia, following a powerful charge from back-rower Pablo Matera, extended Argentina’s lead. Although New Zealand attempted a comeback with a try from Samisoni Taukei’aho, their efforts were thwarted when Sevu Reece received a yellow card for a deliberate foul.
Looking Ahead
The result has prompted New Zealand to reflect on their performance as they prepare for their next match against the Springboks at Auckland’s Eden Park on September 6. Barrett emphasized the need for introspection within the team, stating, “We’ve got a week back at home and I’m sure there will be a bit of pain within this group because we’ve got a big challenge the following week. We certainly need a bounce.”
Meanwhile, Argentina’s victory has elevated their status in the rugby world, showcasing their potential to compete against top-tier teams. The Pumas’ triumph is not only a significant milestone for the team but also a moment of national pride, inspiring future generations of Argentine rugby players.
As the Rugby Championship progresses, the competition remains fierce, with each team vying for supremacy. This historic win for Argentina adds an exciting dynamic to the tournament, setting the stage for more thrilling encounters in the weeks to come.
