New Zealand beat Argby 41-24 in their rugby championship opener to organize the second half fightback and returned to the top of the world rankings for the first time in four years.
Winger Sevu Rees and substantial hocker Samisni Taukiho each made two attempts for all blacks who replaced world champions South Africa, who were defeated 38–22 by Australia in Johannesburg as the number one team in the world.
The visitors were ahead 10–0 within 10 minutes in Cordoba for the first attempt of Buden Barrett’s Penalty and Rees.
Pummus Winger Rodrigo Isgro reduced the deficit to three points, but Quickfire tried with Ardi Savia, Cortez Ratima and Reece again put New Zealand ahead 31–1 on the break.
Argentina began an enthusiastic recovery after the break, in which Tomas Albornoz did powering 11 minutes after the restart.
And when Billy Proctor was sent to Sin Bin, Jokin Ovido’s attempt reduced the deficit to seven points and raised hopes of a famous return victory.
But the substitute Taukiho shed those hopes with two attempts in the last 12 minutes to seal the victory of all blacks.
All Blax captain Scott Barrett said, “We talked about starting well and I think we did so. We strengthened the second half – it was a statement.”
“In the second half we were a bit slow and perhaps a little indiscipline fed our game, which was disappointing and allowed the crowd to follow them.
“He threw a lot of punch at us and I am happy that the people who finished the game were able to win some hand wrestling, get some fields and most importantly come away with a good win.”
This defeat increases Argentina’s winning record on the soil of the house against New Zealand in 15 matches.
Both sides meet again in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
