All Blacks Back on Top of World Rankings After Win Over Argentina

New Zealand reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking after beating Argentina 41-24 in a Rugby Championship clash in Córdoba on Saturday.

Hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho scored two late tries to secure victory for the All Blacks, who had led 31-10 at halftime but were forced to withstand a strong second-half challenge from the Pumas. The result moves New Zealand above world champions South Africa, who earlier lost 38-22 to Australia in Johannesburg.

The All Blacks ran in six tries to three, with winger Sevu Reece also scoring twice. Fly-half Beauden Barrett contributed 11 points from the boot and controlled the match with his tactical kicking.

Argentina’s Tomas Albornoz finished with 14 points, including a try, while Joaquin Oviedo also crossed. The defeat extended Argentina’s winless home record against New Zealand to 15 matches.

Strong First Half from New Zealand

Reece opened the scoring after an early Barrett penalty before Argentina responded through Rodrigo Isgro. A yellow card to Pumas prop Mayco Vivas gave New Zealand the edge, with Will Jordan slicing through from halfway to set up Cortez Ratima for a long-range try.

Ardie Savea then powered over, and Reece added his second just before the interval as the visitors took a commanding 31-10 lead.

Pumas Fight Back

Argentina regrouped after the break, with Albornoz breaking tackles to score before Oviedo narrowed the gap to seven points following Billy Proctor’s yellow card. The momentum shift brought the home crowd into the contest as New Zealand briefly lost control.

Taukei’aho Seals It

With the margin down to a single score, Taukei’aho restored New Zealand’s dominance. The replacement hooker crossed twice in the final 12 minutes, ending Argentina’s hopes of a comeback and securing a bonus-point win.

Barrett: “A Bit of a Statement”

All Blacks captain Scott Barrett said his side had shown both strengths and weaknesses.

“We talked about starting well and I think we did that. We finished the second half quite strong – it was a bit of a statement there,” he said.

“In the second half we were a little bit slow and probably a little bit of indiscipline fed their game, which was disappointing. They threw a lot of punches at us but I’m pleased the guys who finished the game were able to get territory and most importantly come away with a good win.”