New Zealand overcame a spirited second-half revival from Argentina to seal a 41-24 victory in their Rugby Championship opener in Córdoba and reclaim top spot in the world rankings for the first time since 2020.
Winger Sevu Reece and replacement hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho both crossed twice for the All Blacks, who leapfrogged world champions South Africa following the Springboks’ 38-22 defeat to Australia in Johannesburg.
The visitors stormed into an early 10-0 lead through Beauden Barrett’s penalty and Reece’s opener before the Pumas briefly hit back via Rodrigo Isgro. But Ian Foster’s side responded ruthlessly, with Ardie Savea, Cortez Ratima and a second from Reece stretching the advantage to 31-10 at half-time.
Argentina, roared on by a partisan home crowd, mounted an impressive response after the interval. Tomas Albornoz forced his way over 11 minutes into the half and when Billy Proctor was sin-binned, Joaquin Oviedo struck to narrow the margin to just seven points. For a moment, the possibility of a famous comeback hung in the air.
However, Taukei’aho’s late double snuffed out those hopes, ensuring the All Blacks left with a bonus-point win that underlined both their attacking depth and their ability to withstand pressure.
“We talked about starting well and I think we did that,” said captain Scott Barrett. “The second half was disappointing at times — a bit of ill-discipline let them in and the crowd really got behind them. But I’m proud of how we finished. The boys who came on made a real statement.”
The defeat extends Argentina’s winless streak at home against New Zealand to 15 matches. The two sides meet again in Buenos Aires next Saturday, with Michael Cheika’s Pumas desperate to convert promise into history.
