History was made in Buenos Aires as Argentina toppled New Zealand 29–23, sealing their first-ever home victory over the All Blacks in nearly five decades of meetings.
The Pumas, driven by a passionate home crowd, produced a disciplined and determined performance to overturn last week’s 41–24 defeat in Córdoba. The win snapped a 15-match home drought against the All Blacks that stretched back to their inaugural clash in 1976.
Juan Martín González’s first-half try gave Argentina early momentum before Gonzalo García dived over after the interval to push them further ahead. Flyhalf Santiago Carreras was equally influential, landing 13 points from the boot to keep the scoreboard ticking.
The All Blacks responded with tries from Billy Proctor, Fletcher Newell, and Samisoni Taukei’aho, but their evening was marred by lapses in discipline. Three players were shown yellow cards, including two in the space of three chaotic minutes before halftime, handing the Pumas crucial control of the contest.
A last-gasp penalty from Damian McKenzie ensured New Zealand salvaged a losing bonus point, keeping them at the top of the Rugby Championship standings with six points after two games.
Argentina, though still bottom, are now level on points with South Africa, who overcame Australia 30–22 earlier in the day. With each of the four teams registering one win apiece, the Rugby Championship remains finely balanced and wide open.
English