Argentina pulled off a stunning 38-30 victory over New Zealand in Wellington as the Pumas beat the All Blacks for a third time in four years,
The visitors threw the Rugby Championship wide open with another historic win at Sky Stadium, backing up victory in Christchurch two years ago with a remarkable performance. The Pumas matched their hosts stride-for-stride for 60 minutes and then surged away in the final quarter, with old-stager Agustin Creevy — superb off the bench months after his 39th birthday — burrowing over for a crucial try late on.
It dealt the All Blacks their first defeat under head coach Scott Robertson, whose side shipped more points than New Zealand had ever done before on home soil. Some trademark vibrant attacking rugby was interspersed among too many basic errors, while a side shorn of several senior leaders after last year’s World Cup appeared to lack calm and composure come the crunch.
But that does not at all detract from a brilliant showing from the visitors, who had been played off the park in the last meeting between the teams in Paris in the World Cup semi-final. It is a first signature win for new boss Felipe Contepomi, who succeeded Michael Cheika after the tournament. Earlier, South Africa routed Australia to establish themselves as firm favourites for a tournament they have won just once in the last decade.
Follow all the latest from Wellington below:
New Zealand v Argentina – Rugby Championship
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Argentina pull off stunning upset win over All Blacks after South Africa rout Australia
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FT: New Zealand 30-35 Argentina
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TRY! New Zealand 30-35 ARGENTINA (Agustin Creevy, 69 minutes)
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TRY! NEW ZEALAND 30-25 Argentina (Mark Tele’a, 53 minutes)
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HT: New Zealand 20-15 Argentina
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TRY! New Zealand 20-15 ARGENTINA (Mateo Carreras, 38 minutes)
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TRY! NEW ZEALAND 20-8 Argentina (Anton Lienert-Brown, 36 minutes)
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TRY! New Zealand 10-5 ARGENTINA (Lucio Cinti, 24 minutes)
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TRY! NEW ZEALAND 10-0 Argentina (Sam Darry, 16 minutes)
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KICK OFF!
Argentina stun All Blacks to throw Rugby Championship wide open and continue New Zealand’s Wellington woe
10:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argentina stunned New Zealand with a 38-30 win away in Wellington as they outscored the All Blacks four tries to three in a dramatic start to the hosts’ defence of their Rugby Championship title.
It was only a third ever win for the Pumas over New Zealand in 38 meetings as the adventurous spirit of the Argentines prevailed against a ragged-looking All Blacks, who were uncharacteristically error prone.
The lead changed several times before Argentina prevailed in an exciting encounter that was in stark contrast to New Zealand’s one sided 44-6 win over the Pumas when they last met in the World Cup semi-final in Paris last October.
Argentina’s tries came from Lucio Cinti, Mateo Carreras, Franco Molina and a poignantly decisive try for the 39-year-old Agustin Creevy.
Santiago Carerras kicked over a vital 18 points with four penalties and three conversions to deal New Zealand a sixth defeat in their last seven games at Sky Stadium.
Argentina stun All Blacks to throw Rugby Championship wide open
Argentina stun All Blacks in Wellington
10:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle
What is it about Wellington for the All Blacks? They haven’t beaten anyone in the capital since 2018, and it’s one win in seven at Sky Stadium for the side. New Zealand just weren’t quite at it tonight, lacking calm and composure in the final quarter and all over the place defensively. But Argentina had to take advantage, and did so in some style.
Argentina veteran Agustin Creevy reacts to a stunning Pumas win
10:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“It was amazing. We had a really good performance. We said in the week that we wanted to hit first, and we hit first – we dominated the whole game.
“For me, I’m 39 and this is the first time I’ve won in New Zealand. It’s so important for me and the whole team. We work a lot, it’s tough sometimes, but this game for us is f***** amazing. Now, I want to win next week – two games in a row, we’ll go for that.”
FULL TIME! New Zealand 30-38 Argentina
09:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There are tears of joy and disbelief on the faces of the Argentina players – after so long without a win over the All Blacks, it’s three in four years for the Pumas! A second on New Zealand soil, and they’ve put 38 points on the hosts – the most that New Zealand have ever conceded at home.
FULL TIME! New Zealand 30-38 Argentina
09:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle
New Zealand 30-38 Argentina, 80 minutes
09:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The All Blacks won’t even earn a bonus point as things stand. AND A FINAL PENALTY AT THE BREAKDOWN WILL ALLOW ARGENTINA TO SEE OUT THE CLOCK!
New Zealand 30-38 Argentina, 79 minutes
09:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argentina safely take the restart. Down the clock ticks, 70 seconds, 60 seconds, 50 seconds. It’s going to be another famous day for Argentine rugby.
PENALTY! New Zealand 30-38 ARGENTINA (Santiago Carreras, 79 minutes)
09:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It’s straight and true from Santiago Carreras, despite slipping as he strikes! Argentina lead by eight with a minute and a half to play!!
New Zealand 30-35 Argentina, 77 minutes
09:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A shocking lineout drill as the All Blacks’ replacements show their inexperience! Asafo Aumua throws but there is no lifted player to take!
Argentina have the ball, and a penalty! It’s right in front of the sticks. This would surely seal it…
New Zealand 30-35 Argentina, 76 minutes
09:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The Pumas’ maul goes on the march, forcing the All Blacks into retreat. New Zealand fall back to 10 metres from their own-line. We are in drop goal territory, Tomas Albornoz beginning to find a pocket…but it’s an All Blacks penalty! Ardie Savea is almost single-handedly keeping his side alive, limpeting over Agustin Creevy as the hooker goes it alone.
New Zealand 30-35 Argentina, 74 minutes
09:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It’s getting tense. Tomas Albornoz hooks a kick straight into touch – out on the full, and a chance for the All Blacks to play.
Or not! Agustin Creevy again with a huge moment, coming up with a breakdown turnover inside his own half! All of his experience is showing, with Pablo Matera again prominent in the defensive set, too.
New Zealand 30-35 Argentina, 73 minutes
09:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argentina kick to touch. Pablo Matera tests his new studs by leaping at the front of the lineout – both ascent and dismount are clean.
Santiago Chocobares makes 20 yards with a piercing carry, but Ardie Savea steals breakdown ball.
New Zealand 30-35 Argentina, 72 minutes
09:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle
This is already the most points Argentina have tallied against the All Blacks in 38 meetings. An askew Asafo Aumua lineout throw allows another minute to tick away; a scrum penalty to the Pumas means 60 seconds more slip by.
Pablo Matera needs new footwear, the Argentina captain having run himself into the vground. He’s still fit and firing; his boots are not.
TRY! New Zealand 30-35 ARGENTINA (Agustin Creevy, 69 minutes)
09:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
What a moment for Agustin Creevy! Argentina lead the All Blacks in Wellington!
Just a sixth try in 109 games for the hooker, but it’s his fourth against New Zealand! Argentina had loaded up their bench with six forwards and they make an impact here, first destabilising the scrum and then punching holes in the All Blacks defence. Joaquin Oviedo writhes to within a metre, Mayco Vivas goes closer still, but it’s Creevy who sends them into dreamland, burrowing beneath a couple of defenders like a prized truffle-hunting pig. Wow!
New Zealand 30-28 Argentina, 67 minutes
09:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Error after error from the All Blacks, self-harming thrice inside their own half having stolen Argentina’s lineout ball! Two passes hit the deck, the second of them shimmying over the line, with Rieko Ioane trapped in-goal.
A five-metre scrum for Argentina – what an opportunity…
New Zealand 30-28 Argentina, 66 minutes
09:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle
One of New Zealand’s younger thrusters is on, Wallace Sititi into the back-row fray. Asafo Aumua has replaced Codie Taylor, too.
Damian McKenzie’s low kick skuds over the surface and out of play about two metres short of the Argentina 22. Ethan Blackadder is penalised at the lineout, though, preventing his side from putting the pressure on.
New Zealand 30-28 Argentina, 64 minutes
09:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
On for this scrum is Agustin Creevy, somehow still trucking several months beyond his 39th birthday. The hooker is just so passionate about the Pumas, and you’d imagine they’ll have to physically wrench him out of that shirt. Efrain Elias, packing down in the engine room behind him, was a year old when Creevy won his first cap in 2005. Remarkable longevity.
No try! New Zealand 30-28 Argentina, 63 minutes
09:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Damian McKenzie slides over but his grimace rather reflects a collective fear from the All Blacks that the fly half’s pass earlier in the movement may have been forward.
Indeed it was. McKenzie’s inside ball for Will Jordan was lovely, but tossed a yard in front of the replacement, who was already beyond McKenzie’s shoulder. A shame, because Jordan’s interchange with Jordie and Beauden Barrett was nice, and McKenzie took the try nicely thereafter, but back we go for another scrum.
New Zealand 30-28 Argentina, 62 minutes
09:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argentina clear up to halfway, but the All Blacks show venom and variety in attack, swift transfers creating space for Dalton Papali’i to roam into up the right.
The Barrett brothers combine to bust Argentina open! A suspicion of a forward pass in there, but onwards the hosts go…
New Zealand 30-28 Argentina, 60 minutes
09:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
At last, something for the big boys to cheer – an hour into this game and we finally have a scrum! Hallelujah! A knock-on from Cortez Ratima from a gorgeous Beauden Barrett offload and Gonzalo Bertranou will feed it.
It’s a long time since Angus Gardner’s pre-match chat with both front rows, so he takes a moment to remind both sides of what he is expecting. In and out quickly with Argentina wobbling a little, but possession is safely theirs.
Missed penalty! New Zealand 30-28 Argentina, 59 minutes
09:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And that’s an error from one of them! Damian McKenzie tugs a penalty away to the left, three potentially vital points slipping by. Poor by his standards.
Changes at prop for New Zealand – Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax complete their evening without having had to pack down for a single scrum. Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Fletcher Newell are on.
New Zealand 30-28 Argentina, 58 minutes
09:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It was at this sort of moment in their series win over England that Scott Robertson went to his closer, bringing Beauden Barrett off the bench and relying on the veteran to steer the ship out of choppy water. But he’s lost that option with Barrett in the starting side – replacement scrum half Cortez Ratima is on for TJ Perenara but all of the All Blacks’ playmakers are already on the park.
PENALTY! New Zealand 30-28 ARGENTINA (Santiago Carreras, 57 minutes)
09:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Three more from the boot of Santiago Carreras. Argentina are sticking with their hosts.
New Zealand 30-25 Argentina, 56 minutes
09:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argentina will answer instantly, as they have seemed to be able to all day. Dalton Papali’i makes a splendid tackle on Juan Cruz Mallia as the full-back hits the line at speed, but the openside can’t roll away quickly enough.
On comes the tee.
TRY! NEW ZEALAND 30-25 Argentina (Mark Tele’a, 53 minutes)
09:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And it’s Will Jordan’s fellow wing wonder Mark Tele’a who provides an intelligent injection to score!
That’s precisely what Tele’a is so good at. With Argentina tiring in their defensive effort and a penalty coming, Tele’a meanders with menace, waiting to attack tight spaces and flagging forwards. He picks his moment to pop up on TJ Perenara’s shoulder, the scrum half dropping it off to the wiry, wiggly wing, who slips between two tacklers and slides under the posts.
New Zealand 23-25 Argentina, 52 minutes
09:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Jordan’s arrival adds impetus to the All Blacks’ attack, purposeful and precise as they make inroads into the Argentina 22.
New Zealand 23-25 Argentina, 51 minutes
09:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A return to action for Will Jordan on the wing for the All Blacks, replacing Sevu Reece. That may bring a few Pumas out in cold sweats given how he tore them to shreds at the Stade de France in that semi-final last year.
PENALTY! New Zealand 23-25 ARGENTINA (Santiago Carreras, 50 minutes)
09:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Both times Argentina have beaten New Zealand, they’ve ended with 25 points. You fancy they’ll need more than that today, but Santiago Carreras’s crisp clap through the back of the ball takes them to that tally.
New Zealand 23-22 Argentina, 49 minutes
09:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“I’m not seeing anything there, guys,” Angus Gardner says to his team of officials, though Brett Cronan is trying to talk his Australian compatriot around. The referee does not believe Blackadder has done much wrong, and after some back-and-forth, is happy just with a penalty. I’m not certain Cronan agrees, but that looks good refereeing from Gardner, Blackadder receptive and going backwards in contact, even if he could have been lower.
Argentina seem happy enough with a penalty to point towards the posts.
New Zealand 23-22 Argentina, 49 minutes
09:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The huge Sclavi makes mincemeat of an All Blacks tackler with his first tote. TMO Brett Cronan wants to look at Ethan Blackadder’s actions in that tackle – the New Zealand blindside came off second best but there may be head contact…
New Zealand 23-22 Argentina, 47 minutes
09:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A brace of changes for Argentina. It’s a first cap for young gun Efrain Elias, so impressive as captain at the U20 World Cup last month, in the second row, while Joel Sclavi replaces Eduardo Bello. “Sorry you didn’t get a scrum,” referee Angus Gardner quips to Bello as the tighthead is replaced – still we wait for that first skirmish as the first front-rower leaves the field.
PENALTY! NEW ZEALAND 23-22 Argentina (Damian McKenzie, 47 minutes)
09:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Effortless power in the strike from Damian McKenzie. The All Blacks lead once more.
New Zealand 20-22 Argentina, 46 minutes
09:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A coach-killer of a penalty, Argentina almost instantly infringing after the restart. Damian McKenzie calls for the tee and will try to nudge the hosts back in front.
TRY! New Zealand 20-22 ARGENTINA (Franco Molina, 43 minutes)
09:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Beautifully worked at the front and Franco Molina reaches to the line!
Superb! A dummy jumper at the back of the lineout distracts the All Blacks forwards, leaving them short of steel at the front. A grounded Franco Molina takes at the front and lets the wave carry him, the mass of his mates thumping into his midriff and driving the lock over for his first Test try. Santiago Carreras converts in fine fashion – Argentina lead at Sky Stadium!
New Zealand 20-15 Argentina, 42 minutes
09:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle
New Zealand cycle through a load of phases inside their own half, ever a dangerous game. Sam Darry wins his collision but that leaves him exposed to the attentions of Pablo Matera, who finds the ball and forces darry to hold on.
Santiago Carreras’ touchfinder is spot on, the wind having died down completely. Argentina hooker Ignacio Ruiz will throw from five metres out.
Second half…
09:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The players are back out there. All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan urges his side to “respect the ball” a little more in the second half, believing they have just been guilty of a few too many silly errors. Off we go again in Wellington.
HT: New Zealand 20-15 Argentina
09:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Not a single scrum in that first 40 minutes – remarkable handling despite a high tempo.
Can the All Blacks power clear? South Africa have already made a significant statement of intent on the opening day of Rugby Championship action…
South Africa romp past Australia in Rugby Championship opener
HT: New Zealand 20-15 Argentina
08:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Lively stuff in Wellington, New Zealand producing a couple of their trademark dances but finding Argentina enjoying the beat and going nearly step-for-step with the All Blacks. The hosts will surely produce their trademark second-half surge, but the Pumas are very much in the hunt.
HALF TIME: New Zealand 20-15 Argentina
08:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
New Zealand 20-15 Argentina, 40 minutes
08:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
An Argentina carrier is dragged into touch as the half-time hooter sounds. Off they all go for a much-needed rest after 40 mad minutes of high-octane action.
TRY! New Zealand 20-15 ARGENTINA (Mateo Carreras, 38 minutes)
08:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A lightning strike to answer from Argentina!
They just refuse to go away! There’s a healthy stroke of fortune about this score, Sevu Reece tapping back a high hoist with Santiago Carreras beaten in the air and presuming he will find a teammate. But it’s Mateo Carreras instead who collects Reece’s slap, and the wing wizard does the rest, sprinting into spaces left vacant.. Damian McKenzie is bamboozled by a mamba-like manouevre as Carreras cuts across the turf and beneath the posts, allowing his namesake to convert.
TRY! NEW ZEALAND 20-8 Argentina (Anton Lienert-Brown, 36 minutes)
08:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A pretty pirouette and Anton Lienert-Brown is in!
New Zealand find their clinical edge! The forwards batter and beat away in tight, forcing the goalline defence of Argentina to concertina. Damian McKenzie provides the tempo and tune, asking Lienert-Brown to dance as he takes a pass, with the centre’s nifty spin ensuring he evades a tacker and goes in untouched.
New Zealand 13-8 Argentina, 34 minutes
08:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The blue and white bricks in the Argentina wall refuse to budge as the All Blacks assess their armoury, trying a variety of weapons but finding no joy. An offside penalty will afford them an opportunity to mount an assault from a more advanced position.
PENALTY! New Zealand 13-8 ARGENTINA (Santiago Carreras, 31 minutes)
08:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Santiago Carreras takes his time, though it’s the sort of kick he’d have knocked over when first toddling about on a rugby pitch. Argentina narrow the gap.
New Zealand 13-5 Argentina, 30 minutes
08:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argentina can’t make much of the maul but their feisty fringe thumpers begin to gain ground, edging ever closer to the All Blacks line. Pablo Matera loses control in contact, but there’s another penalty to take.
Matera has a mull, wondering whether to give it another go. Eventually, a reluctant finger is pointed towards the posts.
New Zealand 13-5 Argentina, 29 minutes
08:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argentina may answer immediately. Pedro Rubiolo pounces on an isolated Jordie Barrett as Thomas Gallo cries “timber!”, swinging an axe at the centre’s ankles.
Well well well. Argentina turn down a shot at goal and instead prod the penalty to the corner.
PENALTY! NEW ZEALAND 13-5 Argentina (Damian McKenzie, 28 minutes)
08:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Three from three from the tee for Damian McKenzie. This is tougher than his first two strikes, just right of centre and 40 metres out, but it’s nothing to unduly trouble a high-class kicker.
New Zealand 10-5 Argentina, 26 minutes
08:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle
That is somehow Lucio Cinti’s first Test try. He’s bounced between inside centre, outside centre and the wing for club and country over the last couple of years, but I reckon he’s a man to build around in that 13 jumper for Felipe Contepomi.
That will annoy the Pumas boss, though – skipper Pablo Matera concedes a soft ruck penalty.
TRY! New Zealand 10-5 ARGENTINA (Lucio Cinti, 24 minutes)
08:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Cinti-llating!
Ooh, this is a corker from Argentina! They turn over possession near halfway and switch rapidly in transition, spotting New Zealand are lighter than they’d like to be in wide channels. Pablo Matera picks his moment and his man, crabbing across and then sending Santiago Chocobares forth on a lovely angle.
Chocobares looks outside to his centre partner, putting it in the hands of the dynamic Cinti. Anton Lienert-Brown can’t snare the Saracen’s shirt, and in he goes. Delightful rugby!
New Zealand 10-0 Argentina, 22 minutes
08:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Excellent jackalling from Dalton Papali’i, just about holding his feet as he latches over the top even as two Argentina clearers thump into him within ten metres of the New Zealand line.
New Zealand 10-0 Argentina, 19 minutes
08:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The home side very nearly conjure another spectacular try, Anton Lienert-Brown busting through the line and hurling an ambitious wide pass that Sevu Reece looks favourite to collect. It just catches the breeze, though, forcing Reece to leap to try and take, and the ball spills in a tangle of limbs on the edge of the Argentina 22.
New Zealand 10-0 Argentina, 18 minutes
08:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It hasn’t at all been a bad start from Argentina, either. They’ve looked spunky in attack and solid in defence, but that sort of score is always the danger against the All Blacks.
TRY! NEW ZEALAND 10-0 Argentina (Sam Darry, 16 minutes)
08:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle
An extraordinary coast-to-coast try!
What a remarkable score! Argentina cough up possession on the fringes of New Zealand’s 22, and off the All Blacks go. Damian McKenzie chips, chases and beats a sluggish Thomas Gallo to the bouncing ball, connecting with Beauden Barrett.
There is no-one within 15 metres of the full-back as he advances up the right, but Barrett is so intelligent, dropping boot to ball and kicking some 30 metres infield where three teammates are chasing. Two of them are tight-five forwards, emblematic of the All Blacks’ all-court game, and though a horror bounce kippers Codie Taylor, lock Sam Darry is on hand to mop up and spin to the line. It’s a try, really, that only New Zealand would score – McKenzie converts and the hosts are into their work!
New Zealand 3-0 Argentina, 13 minutes
08:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Lucio Cinti gets his big mitts to TJ Perenara’s attempted box kick, blocking it into touch. Perenara can be vulnerable to charge downs, not perhaps the best technical box kicker.
And again! Argentina are putting the pressure on the scrum half and there is a flick of Argentine fingers en route to the touchline. That will give New Zealand the throw, but Perenara will have to tighten up his technique or sort himself some more protection.
PENALTY! NEW ZEALAND 3-0 Argentina (Damian McKenzie, 12 minutes)
08:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Simple as you like for Damian McKenzie. The All Blacks are first on the board.
New Zealand 0-0 Argentina, 11 minutes
08:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Six penalties in eleven minutes against Argentina, this one for offside. Pablo Matera is called in for a warning as coach Felipe Contepomi fumes in the box, barking down his microphone to get a message on to his side.
The All Blacks will take the opportunity to get the scoring started from the tee.
New Zealand 0-0 Argentina, 10 minutes
08:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle
This game hasn’t yet settled into any kind of shape. Argentina’s lineout goes awry, a hand on an All Black jumper conceding another penalty. New Zealand don’t fancy the three; to that left corner they return.
New Zealand 0-0 Argentina, 9 minutes
08:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Outstanding maul defence! Juan Martin Gonzalez takes the plaudits, he and the rest of this brilliant, beastly back row splintering the All Blacks drive and isolating Codie Taylor. A penalty to Argentina.
New Zealand 0-0 Argentina, 8 minutes
08:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The All Blacks go on an adventure with advantage, keeping the ball alive even after a couple of missed connections. A corner-flagging Lucio Cinti does very well to get to Sevu Reece and deny him a sprint to the line.
Back for the penalty. To the corner New Zealand go…
New Zealand 0-0 Argentina, 7 minutes
08:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle
An intervention from TMO Brett Cronan, spotting a tackle from Eduardo Bello on Ardie Savea that is high. The head-to-head contact is minimal, and it will just be a penalty.
Into the Pumas 22 the All Blacks go for the first time.
New Zealand 0-0 Argentina, 6 minutes
08:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Nearly a try from nowhere for Matias Moroni! The ball spills free on the All Blacks side from a ruck but a hurried flick to the right is misdirected, allowing Moroni to put his boot on it. A kind bounce is collected by the wing, who steps past Damian McKenzie and stomps on the accelerator. The veteran, more often sighted at centre, doesn’t have the gears to ease away and Jordie Barrett gets back to strip him for parts, winning both ball and penalty to spare his side’s blushes somewhat. Argentina have come to play, though!
New Zealand 0-0 Argentina, 4 minutes
08:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A solid first effort with the lineout drive from New Zealand, making ten metres or so. TJ Perenara then tests the skies, Santiago Carreras tracking the flight nicely even in the breeze and taking in a composed manner. He is quick introduced to the surface via a stiff shoulder from an All Black chaser.
New Zealand 0-0 Argentina, 3 minutes
08:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argentina threaten from the lineout, too, but Ardie Savea matches Juan Martin Gonzalez in a battle of strength, forcing him into touch. The two number eightts are among the most freakish athletes in world rugby – their duel could be lots of fun today.
Sam Darry takes Codie Taylor’s throw, and Argentina are offside in midfield, allowing the All Blacks an easy clearance of their lines.
New Zealand 0-0 Argentina, 2 minutes
08:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle
What a start from Argentina! Santiago Carreras makes a half-break and connects with Matias Moroni, requiring a retreating Beauden Barrett to get back and prevent Mateo Carreras taking his wing colleague’s potential try-assisting offload.
Sharp scrambling from Barrett, but the Pumas look full of energy and invention.
New Zealand 0-0 Argentina, 1 minute
08:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Mark Tele’a and Ardie Savea get on the ball early, two of the chief tormentors of Argentina from that semi-final win this time well handled. TJ Perenara clears to just short of halfway but here come Argentina, carrying nicely in their first few phases.
KICK OFF!
08:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The last time these two met was of course that semi-final drubbing in Paris last October. Will Argentina get any closer today? We are underway in Wellington!
New Zealand vs Argentina
08:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Two lovely renditions of the anthems done and dusted, and into formation New Zealand slide for the haka. TJ Perenara is back to lead it, the scrum half having overcome that worrying-looking knee injury from the first Test against England.
New Zealand vs Argentina match officials
08:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Referee: Angus Gardner (Aus)
Assistant Referees: Nic Berry (Aus) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Aus)
New Zealand vs Argentina
07:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The Cake Tin isn’t close to full to the rim, but there’s a decent crowd in Wellington, where it is cold and a little windy. Classic Wellington conditions, really.
South Africa have made an early statement of Rugby Championship intent – will the All Blacks do likewise?
Team news – Argentina
07:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Pablo Matera takes the reins for Argentina with Julian Montoya recovering from a rib injury. Ignacio Ruiz is the beneficiary of his skipper’s absence at hooker while old-stager Agustin Creevy provides highly-experienced back-up; at the other end of the age spectrum on the bench, young lock Efrain Elias is set for a debut after an impressive U20 World Cup campaign in South Africa. Matias Moroni shifts to the wing as Lucio Cinti comes in to the midfield.
Argentina XV: 1 Thomas Gallo, 2 Ignacio Ruiz, 3 Eduardo Bello; 4 Franco Molina, 5 Pedro Rubiolo; 6 Pablo Matera (captain), 7 Marcos Kremer, 8 Juan Martin Gonzalez; 9 Gonzalo Bertranou, 10 Santiago Carreras; 11 Mateo Carreras, 12 Santiago Chocobares, 13 Lucio Cinti, 14 Matias Moroni; 15 Juan Cruz Mallia.
Replacements: 16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Mayco Vivas, 18 Joel Sclavi, 19 Efrain Elias, 20 Tomas Lavanini, 21 Joaquin Oviedo; 22 Lautaro Bazan Velez, 23 Tomas Albornoz.
Team news – New Zealand
07:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Captain Scott Barrett has been ruled out of the All Blacks’ first two fixtures of the Rugby Championship, with Ardie Savea stepping up to skipper in his stead. Barrett is joined in the treatment room by fellow lock Patrick Tuipulotu, prompting an opportunity for Sam Darry after a debut against Fiji, while Ethan Blackadder occupies the blindside. Stephen Perofeta is absent with a calf problem, making the return from shoulder surgery of Will Jordan timely — he bolsters the back three options on the bench.
New Zealand XV: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Tyrel Lomax; 4 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Sam Darry; 6 Ethan Blackadder, 7 Dalton Papali’i, 8 Ardie Savea (captain); 9 TJ Perenara, 10 Damian McKenzie; 11 Mark Tele’a, 12 Jordan Barrett, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 14 Sevu Reece; 15 Beauden Barrett.
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Wallace Sititi; 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Rieko Ioane, 23 Will Jordan.
On to New Zealand vs Argentina…
07:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There’s little time to reflect on that opener – the second game of the opening day of the 2024 Rugby Championship is almost upon us, with New Zealand and Argentina preeparing to tangle in Wellington. Let’s check in on the two teams…
FT: Australia 7-33 South Africa
07:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A commanding performance from the world champions, showing their class and flexing their muscles in a dominant victory in Brisbane. Some signs to encourage Joe Schmidt with the Wallabies’ defensive fight, but there is so much work to do on their kicking game, set piece and attacking accuracy.
FULL TIME! Australia 7-33 South Africa
07:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Australia 7-33 South Africa, 81 minutes
07:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
That final go lasts less than 30 seconds. Luke Reimer drops the ball cold as he readies himself for a stern South African examination in contact, and that’s that!
Australia 7-33 South Africa, 80 minutes
07:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Into the final moments with South Africa still putting their bodies on the line defensively. A crunching hit and pilfering fingers from Malcolm Marx ensure they survive a last goalline stand, and a brilliant kick chase draws a penalty up on their own ten-metre.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu fancies more, aiming for the corner…but missing. Australia gather and will have a last go.
YELLOW CARD! Jesse Kriel is sent to the sin bin! Australia 7-33 South Africa, 79 minutes
07:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle
But the Springboks will finish with 13 men – Jesse Kriel thrusts up a pinching paw trying to intercept a wide pass, but can’t gather. Luke Pearce shows his fourth yellow card of the contest as Australia eye one more score.
Australia 7-33 South Africa, 78 minutes
07:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Handre Pollard overcooks his restart, granting the hosts a midfield scrum back on halfway. Malcolm Marx returns from the sin bin to be part of the counter-shove.
TRY! AUSTRALIA 7-33 South Africa (Hunter Paisami, 76 minutes)
07:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle
At last!
It had to come eventually. It’s taken 76 minutes and the Wallabies needed South Africa to be down two defenders, but space does finally open up for Hunter Paisami to slide in after Harry Wilson’s intelligent injection at the base with scrum half Tate McDermott tied up. Over goes the conversion, which matters little other than in the final accounting.
Australia 0-33 South Africa, 74 minutes
07:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle
My oh my. It’s not Australia’s day, another careless carry into contact from Dylan Pietsch bringing another handling error inside the South Africa 22. That rather sums up a properly untidy performance in the opposition red area, which will infuriate Joe Schmidt and his staff.
Australia 0-33 South Africa, 73 minutes
07:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Come on, Australia – surely you have to get off the mark here? A knock-on from South Africa will grant them stable set-piece ball as Bongi Mbonambi re-emerges to ensure that South Africa have a suitably qualified hooker on the park.
YELLOW CARD! Marco van Staden is sent to the sin bin! Australia 0-33 South Africa, 72 minutes
07:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The Springboks lose another man! Marco van Staden had failed to roll away at a ruck and Luke Pearce rushes to his pocket, South Africa having failed to heed his warning.
Van Staden will not return, barring a long period with the clock in the red. Malcolm Marx will, though – his yellow card stands on review and is not upgraded.
Australia 0-33 South Africa, 71 minutes
07:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Cheslin Kolbe is the stand-in thrower for South Africa, showing off skills honed on the sevens circuit early in his career with Malcolm Marx in the bin. Bongi Mbonambi limbers up in case he is required to fill the void at a scrum as the Springboks clear to about 30 metres from their own line.
Australia 0-33 South Africa, 70 minutes
07:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A strong finish is a must now for Australia with another meeting in Perth to come next week. Another penalty against the Springboks brings a warning from referee Luke Pearce for Pieter-Steph du Toit, who has taken on the captaincy with Siya Kolisi, Bongi Mbonambi and Eben Etzebeth off.
Ah, yet more frustration for Australia inside the South Africa 22. The maul first stalls and then crabs left, and Hollie Davidson spots a boot on the touchline. Up goes the assistant’s flag with another opportunity gone.
YELLOW CARD! Malcom Marx is sent to the sin bin! Australia 0-33 South Africa, 68 minutes
07:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Rob Valetini is bent as he comes into contact but there’s a relatively forceful shoulder to the head of the Australian. Malcolm Marx couldn’t have got that much lower, but it meets the yellow card threshold and thus merits further review.
Off he goes for the next ten minutes at least.
Australia 0-33 South Africa, 68 minutes
07:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Cheslin Kolbe tries to rub salt in the Wallabies’ wound with an entirely needless drop goal. No dice – sliced to the right.
And TMO Ben Whitehouse has picked out some foul play. Is Malcolm Marx in trouble fo a tackle on Rob Valetini?
Australia 0-33 South Africa, 67 minutes
07:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Luke Reimer makes his Australia debut – these aren’t ideal circumstances for an openside to be introduced for his first cap, but a proud moment for the Brumbies back row, sparky off the bench for much of the season in Super Rugby Pacific. It feels like damage limitation mode now for the Wallabies.
TRY! Australia 0-33 SOUTH AFRICA (Kurt-Lee Arendse, 64 minutes)
07:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Two tries in two minutes and it’s turning into a rout!
You always feared this might be coming after those missed Wallabies chances. They are cut quickly by Jesse Kriel, exploiting two tight five forwads on the edge, stepping inside Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and outside a tumbling James Slipper. Kriel has the speed to break away and the calmness of thought to slot his pass across to Kurt-Lee Arendse, who does the rest untouched.
TRY! Australia 0-28 SOUTH AFRICA (Kwagga Smith, 62 minutes)
07:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Too much punch, too much power – four scores for the Springboks as they re-assert their authority!
The inexorable march of mean, massive men around the corner leaves Australia desperately hunting a turnover, knowing they won’t be able to resist for long. As it is, the bigger blokes do the damage and allow the muscle-bound Kwagga Smith – comparably small, though still larger than most mortals – to dart between bodies to the line.
Australia 0-21 South Africa, 60 minutes
07:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Tate McDermott replaces Jake Gordon at scrum half as his forwards concede a lineout penalty. Marco van Staden and fellow back-row replacement Kwagga Smith punch forward with menace, and there are three advantages being played as South Africa use the hands to the left.
Has Kurt-Lee Arendse somehow tightroped the touchline and scored? No, a toe on the chalk denies him, but the Springboks have their pick of the penalties. They take the left-most of them and will set a scrum five metres out.
Australia 0-21 South Africa, 58 minutes
07:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Frisky carrying from Len Ikitau and Rob Valetini, might they are about the only two positive involvements Australia can muster in the movement. Jeremy Williams is isolated as he carries and Marco van Staden – on for Siya Kolisi – picks pleasingly at the carcass. Penalty to South Africa.
Australia 0-21 South Africa, 56 minutes
07:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle
At last, signs of life from Australia in phase play, generating depth and pace in their play and making inroads down the left. That’s the first time, really, that they’ve got to the edge of the Springboks’ blitz.
A stray South African hand in the tackle ends the adventure within five metres of the visitors’ 22.
Australia 0-21 South Africa, 52 minutes
07:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Tight five changes for both teams – props Gerhard Steenekamp and Vincent Koch relieve the Springbok starters; Jeremy Williams takes Nick Frost’s place at lock for the Wallabies. Steenekamp and Koch pick up where Ox Nche and Frans Malherbe left off, earning a scrum penalty immediately.
Australia 0-21 South Africa, 53 minutes
07:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle
He can, but it’s another opportunity gone for the Wallabies! Eben Etzebeth and co. dismantle the maul, and a loose ball is bobbled forward after Etzebeth corrals Jake Gordon.
He really is a remarkable player. This is cap number 123 for the 32-year-old and he’s still just about the best lock on the planet. That is his last act, though – Salmaan Moerat replaces him in the row.
Australia 0-21 South Africa, 52 minutes
07:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The Wallabies’ walking wounded are cleared to continue as Australia launch an assault on the South Africa 22. Dylan Pietsch makes a bright carry before Pieter-Steph du Toit locks him in a barbarous embrace. Entirely legal, unlike South Africa’s fringe defence, which is offside.
Back to that left corner. Can Josh Nasser get his throw right this time?
Australia 0-21 South Africa, 51 minutes
07:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It’s all gone a little hectic all of a sudden. A blind flicked offload out the back from South African hands buries itself in Rob Valetini’s midriff, and the big back rower tonks a kick ahead for faster men to get after. The Springboks get back and clear their lines, but there are broken bodies eveywhere, including James Slipper and Valetini himself.
Cobus Reinach, who threw that intercept to Valetini, is replaced by Grant Williams.
Australia 0-21 South Africa, 50 minutes
07:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A couple of Wallaby catchers get themselves in a tangle and nearly fumble what should be a simple mark. In fact, they probably did – Tom Wright is a little lucky that Luke Pearce looks favourably on his catch and grants the full-back a free kick despite his drop. Wright, perhaps recognising he’s been fortunate, hurriedly snaps a kick away to touch.
Australia 0-21 South Africa, 49 minutes
07:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The Springboks threaten to go the length of the field in transition, Cobus Reinach buzzy and busy and Eben Etzebeth absolutely monstering a tackler in contact. The lock is eventually dragged away into touch, to Australia’s relief.
Australia 0-21 South Africa, 47 minutes
06:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argh! Josh Nasser aims for Lukhan Salakaia-Loto at the tail but overcooks his throw! A chance missed for the Wallabies, and they simply cannot afford such errors.
Australia 0-21 South Africa, 47 minutes
06:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Back-to-back penalties against South Africa – Eben Etzebeth’s breakdown pilfering is legal, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s failure to vacate the ruck space is not. Australia kick to the left corner.
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