All Blacks see off Pumas challenge

Sat, Sep 8, 2018, 9:35 AM
AAP
by AAP
Argentina travelled to Trafalgar Park in Nelson hoping to continue their momentum in The Rugby Championship against the All Blacks.

The All Blacks have repelled a rousing performance from Argentina, scoring six tries to win their Rugby Championship Test 46-24 in Nelson.

The resilient Pumas refused to lie down against the world champions, creating three tries of their own through the brilliance of five-eighth Nicolas Sanchez to follow up their last-start upset of South Africa.

However, they lacked the finishing power of the hosts, who bagged a third bonus point win of the Rugby Championship to move closer to defending their title.

Playing their first-ever Test in the South Island city, a much-changed All Blacks side were guilty of uncharacteristic errors and couldn't bust the Pumas open as easily as they could in successive wins over Australia last month.

They were more clinical after the break, crossing four times, including a second to halfback TJ Perenara to mark his first start in nearly a year.

Five-eighth Richie Mo'unga kicked 16 points in his maiden start but was untidy with his execution, typifying an over-exuberant display from the world champions.

TJ Perenara scored a double in Nelson. Photo: Getty ImagesHis opposite Sanchez continued his brilliant form from the 32-19 triumph in Mendoza two weeks ago, scoring one try and setting up the other two in a 14-point display.

It means Argentina haven't finished within 15 points of the All Blacks in all 12 of their Rugby Championship Tests.

However, their tenacious display - not helped by a hefty penalty count against them - will provide some confidence ahead of facing the Wallabies on the Gold Coast next week.

Three All Blacks left the field with injuries 10 minutes in following a bruising start.

Lock Brodie Retallick (shoulder) and inside centre Ngani Laumape (knee) didn't return but fullback Ben Smith was cleared of a head knock.

Standout Pumas winger Ramiro Moyano weaved past the rattled hosts to for the game's first try.

His opposite Nehe Milner-Skudder responded quickly with a try in his first Test for nearly a year before Perenara also stretched across.

Argentina centre Matias Moroni was unlucky not to score following a Sanchez break, with his foot barely scraping the dead ball line in Perenara's tackle.

Mo'unga's second penalty put New Zealand 18-7 up at halftime but the gap was reduced to four when the excellent Sanchez ghosted over.

Two All Blacks veterans combined when skipper Kieran Read scored from a Ben Smith break before Perenara's second put the hosts 15 points clear entering the final quarter.

Fullback Emiliano Boffelli scythed over from a Sanchez short ball with 10 minutes to play before flanker Shannon Frizell and outside centre Jack Goodhue blew out the scoreline.

RESULT

New Zealand 46

Tries: Perenara 2, Milner-Skudder, Read, Frizell, Goodhue

Cons: Mounga 5

Pens: Mounga 2

Argentina 24

Tries: Moyano, Sanchez, Boffelli

Cons: Sanchez 3

Pens: Sanchez

Share
LIVE from 7:35 pm: Waratahs, Rebels face off in crucial clash
McDermott demands more of Reds' defence as Brumbies blockbuster looms
'We're not here for a holiday' - Fines-Leleiwasa parks Fijian heritage
Liz Patu and Ivania Wong set to become Queensland's all time Women's cap leaders