Argentina beat the All Blacks 29-23 on Saturday to secure their first-ever home win over New Zealand in Rugby Championship history.
The Pumas were outscored three tries to two but held firm, with Santiago Carreras nailing three second-half penalties in a nerveless performance. After suffering a heavy 41-24 defeat in Cordoba, Argentina responded in the best way possible to get back in the winning column.
Captain Julián Montoya hailed the home crowd’s energy, crediting their noise and passion for inspiring one of Argentina’s greatest rugby nights.
HOW ALL BLACKS SELF-DESTRUCTED IN BUENOS AIRES
The top-ranked All Blacks finished with three yellow cards, including two before halftime, which left them scrambling with only 13 players.
Scott Barrett’s men briefly led 13-6 after tries from Billy Proctor and Fletcher Newell but quickly lost composure under intense Argentine pressure. The momentum flipped when Will Jordan was binned for obstruction, opening the door for Juan Martín González to strike and level scores.
Another yellow for Tupou Vaa’i before the break ensured New Zealand lost grip on territory, possession, and discipline before halftime.
HOW LOS PUMAS POUNCED TO SHOCK NEW ZEALAND
Carreras stepped up in the second half, landing two crucial penalties that edged the Pumas ahead with calm execution and precision. Then Pablo Matera bulldozed over defenders to set up Gonzalo Garcia’s try, blowing the roof off the Estadio José Amalfitani crowd.
Samisoni Taukei’aho gave New Zealand late hope with a try, but Sevu Reece’s yellow card halted any potential for a final surge. A late Damian McKenzie penalty earned a bonus point, but it was Argentina celebrating as the final whistle confirmed a 29-23 triumph.
Speaking after the game, Montoya praised his squad’s mentality, saying: “We believed for years we could do this, and today we stayed in the fight.”
His opposite, Scott Barrett offered no excuses for the All Blacks’ performance afterward.
“They showed more passion and intensity. They outmuscled us, held the ball, and punished our discipline.”
Barrett admitted soul-searching is needed before their next test: defending Eden Park against the Springboks on 6 September in Auckland.
WHAT THIS RESULT MEANS FOR THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE RACE
All four Rugby Championship teams now hold one win and one loss after South Africa beat Australia 30-22 earlier in Cape Town.
The bonus point keeps the All Blacks atop the standings, but Argentina’s statement win signals a wide-open race heading into round three.
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