All Blacks winger Sevu Reece identifies focus for second Argentina Test

A bonus point victory is nothing to be ashamed about in the Rugby Championship competition, but the All Blacks will still have lots to work and improve on if they want to win this year’s edition.

Sunday morning’s 41-24 victory was solid in patches, especially up front, where the All Blacks dominated at scrum time throughout the 80 minute performance, as well as at lineout time.

Codie Taylor and Samisoni Taukei’aho hit 100% of their targets in Cordoba, and the All Blacks managed to score three tries from the rolling maul against Argentina.

Two of their other tries, were both scored by Crusaders and All Blacks winger Sevu Reece, who showcased his finishing ability by  scooping two relatively difficult passes to score his double.

Reece, who spoke to Sky Sport after the game, says it was a tough game against a spirited and motivated Argentina side.

“Yes it was good to come away with the win here in Cordoba, it was a tough game.

“Argentina, they stuck with it right till the last minute and we had our moments, and they had theirs, but it was a good game, but I’m just glad that we came away with the win.”

Reece explains that the All Blacks’ decision making hurt them at times, giving Argentina a way back into the game after leading by 21 points at half time.

“I think for us, it was just those 50-50 passes, or just our discipline as well, something that we’re going to work on and we’ve seen what Argentina can do.

“They played fast and direct, they scored few good tries there, but you know I think when our subs came on, they did a really good job to bring us home,” Reece said post-match.

Despite the victory, Reece knows that the All Blacks will need to sharpen up their discipline next week to get a more polished performance.

“We know we’ll really look at our discipline, that’s probably where we we slacked off a little bit and we’ll come Monday ready to go, and hopefully come this Saturday, we are ready to put on a good performance.”

The 28-year-old Fijian-born winger made his All Blacks debut against Argentina in 2019, so returning to the country that holds special memories for him is a meaningful moment, he says.

“Argentina is always in a very special place, I played my first game here and man, you run out the crowd here is amazing.

“We’re looking forward again to next week, and hopefully we have the same crowd in Buenos Aires.”