New Zealand 42-10 Argentina: All Blacks avenge shock Pumas loss to extend Eden Park run

By Sports Desk August 17, 2024

New Zealand exacted revenge on Argentina following their shock defeat to the Pumas last week, winning 42-10 on Saturday to extend their unbeaten run at Eden Park to 50 tests. 

The All Blacks responded in ruthless fashion, scoring six tries as Scott Robertson's side now await world champions South Africa in Johannesburg next week. 

New Zealand got off to the perfect start when Damian McKenzie latched on to Jordie Barrett's chip for the first try in the sixth minute, with captain Ardie Savea adding a second 11 minutes later. 

Caleb Clarke, Will Jordan and Beauden Barrett all crossed to give the All Blacks a 35-3 lead at half-time in challenging conditions at the Auckland fortress. 

Jordan notched his second try of the encounter shortly after the restart, but Argentina were able to halt the constant New Zealand pressure for much of the second half. 

The Pumas would score their first and only try eight minutes from time, with Juan Cruz Mallia going over to take some of the shine off an otherwise dominant display. 

Fly-half McKenzie converted all six All Blacks tries, with New Zealand captain Savea happy with his side's response to the defeat in Wellington seven days ago. 

"Very happy to get the win and respond the way we did," said Savea.

"We're the All Blacks, we've got to bring that every week and not rely on a loss to get that response from us."

Data Debrief: 50 not out at Eden Park

The All Blacks responded in some style to their 38-30 defeat against Argentina last week, getting their Rugby Championship title defence back on track. 

New Zealand's emphatic triumph saw them extend their unbeaten run at Auckland's Eden Park to 50 matches, last losing in 1994 against France. 

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    The tourists fought hard on day four in Galle, but despite the efforts of Tom Blundell (60), Glenn Phillips (78) and Mitchell Santner (67), Sri Lanka got the job done in emphatic fashion.

    Having been skittled all out for 88 in their first innings, chasing Sri Lanka's mammoth total of 602-5, New Zealand at least showed more fighting spirit on Sunday.

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    Prabath Jayasuriya (3-139) helped round things off, as Sri Lanka claimed their third straight Test victory.

    Elsewhere, there was no play on day three of India's second Test against Bangladesh due to a wet outfield.

    Data Debrief: Back-to-back against the Black Caps

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    They have also now won five of their last six Tests at Galle International Stadium, with their only defeat in that span coming against Pakistan in 2023.

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  • Kolisi delighted with Springboks resilience after Rugby Championship triumph Kolisi delighted with Springboks resilience after Rugby Championship triumph

    South Africa captain Siya Kolisi was delighted with the character of his side as they defeated Argentina 48-7 to win the Rugby Championship title on Saturday.

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    Kolisi said: “I am lost for words but it has been a journey and a half, after last week, the way we stood up today says a lot about our team.”

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    He told Sky Sports: “Argentina are a side you cannot look over, how hard they work and what they did to us last week - they are a proud nation, similar to South Africa, the way they use the ball like we do. They will only get better and better."

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    "I want to say to my best friend Eben that I am so grateful to be on this journey with you," Kolisi said.

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    "It's a bit like when we come up against the All Blacks, you know it's going to be a really tough tour.

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    Meanwhile, New Zealand's victory was their first in Wellington since June 2018, ending a five-game winless run in the capital.

    They made a slow start to the game before rallying to a dominant comeback win, but captain Scott Barrett was just happy to triumph in Wellington. 

    "Really pleased to reverse the curse," All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett said.

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