All Blacks captain reacts to 17-point victory over Argentina

Four tries combined between Samisoni Taukei’aho and Sevu Reece helped the All Blacks overcome a tough Test match against Argentina in Cordoba, winning 41-24 to kickstart their 2025 Rugby Championship campaign.

It wasn’t perfect for the All Blacks, who at times looked like they were going to let Argentina back into the game, before managing to push through and pull away from the home side late in the game.

When reflecting on the match, All Blacks captain Scott Barrett says getting the win against Argentina is always pleasing.

“Yeah, very pleasing, we talked about starting well and I think we did that,” Barrett said on Sky Sport post-match.

“We finished the second half quite strong, a bit of a statement there and the second half we were a little bit slow and probably a little bit of discipline fed their game, which was disappointing.”

Barrett also gives credit to Argentina, who fought back in the second half and put the All Blacks under pressure for large parts of that second half.

“They love to get the crowd behind them and you know they threw a lot of punches at us, but pleased that the guys who finished the game were able to win a few arm wrestles, get some territory, and most importantly, come away with a good win.”

When asked about his team’s discipline, the All Blacks captain is quick to explain that he felt like they gave the ball away too easily at times.

“Yeah for sure, I think at times we showed a lot of great attack when we held the ball. But at times, we fed their game with a couple of 50-50’s, that they won and were able to sort of pounce.

“They were really good once they got down to the 22, they sort of went through the middle of us, which hurt us a little bit, but ultimately, pleased with our efforts tonight,” Barrett said.

The returning All Blacks skipper admitted it was good to be back out there, after missing some time with injury during the series against France in July.

“Feeling great, stoked to be back out there and amongst the circle and yeah, pleased that we’ve got off to a good start in the Rugby Championship.

“I think we’ll reflect on tonight, a lot of what we expected, we got tonight and you know we’re looking to go two for two, and we know we have to be better next week.”