Argentina claimed a first ever home Test victory over New Zealand as they beat the All Blacks 29-23 in Buenos Aires.
Los Pumas were comprehensively beaten by New Zealand in last week’s Rugby Championship opener and looked on course for another defeat when first-half tries from Billy Proctor and Fletcher Newell gave the All Blacks a 13-6 lead.
But Argentina mounted a spirited comeback to claim a historic win – their first over the All Blacks on home soil after 15 consecutive defeats dating back to 1985.
The boot of replacement Santiago Carreras proved decisive with three second-half penalties keeping Argentina beyond the reach of New Zealand’s late rally.
The victory leaves all four teams in the Rugby Championship – Argentina, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia – locked on one win apiece two rounds into the tournament.
All Blacks indiscipline proves costly
New Zealand perform the Haka ahead of kick-off in Buenos Aires
The teams traded early penalties, with Argentina edging ahead 6-3 by the 15th minute.
New Zealand responded swiftly: Codie Taylor, celebrating his 100th cap, nearly crossed on the right before a quick switch allowed Proctor to exploit a gap and score. Six minutes later, Newell powered through to extend the lead.
Momentum shifted when Will Jordan was yellow-carded, and Argentina capitalised with a try from Juan Martin Gonzalez, converted by Carreras to level the score.
Santiago Carreras swung the game in Argentina’s favour from the tee
Another yellow for Tupou Vaa’i saw New Zealand reduced to 13 men, and Argentina nearly took the lead before half-time, only for Bautista Delguy to spill the ball on the line.
After the break, New Zealand’s discipline faltered further, gifting Carreras two penalties that swung the game.
Gonzalo Garcia (left) celebrates his match-clinching try
Just before the hour, Pablo Matera’s surge off the scrum set up Gonzalo Garcia to score, putting Argentina 26-13 ahead.
New Zealand threatened a late rally when Samisoni Taukei’aho scored from a lineout maul, but Sevu Reece’s deliberate handball earned a yellow card and handed Carreras another penalty, sealing Argentina’s landmark win.
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