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Full match report: Barrett, Read inspire All Blacks in Buenos Aires
New Zealand were a class above as they eased past Argentina 36-10 to cap a second successive Rugby Championship crown.
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The All Blacks were already assured of the 2017 title thanks to Saturday’s draw between South Africa and Australia.
But the world champions did not take their foot of the pedal in Buenos Aires, claiming a fifth consecutive win in this year’s one-sided competition.
Star playmaker Beauden Barrett dazzled in the Argentine capital, while All Blacks captain Kieran Read scored two first-half tries as the New Zealanders made it 26 victories over the Pumas without reply.
FT | The #AllBlacks remain unbeaten in the 2017 Investec Rugby Championship with a five try victory over Argentina.#ARGvNZL pic.twitter.com/ZJI3TUUofM
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 1, 2017
The All Blacks dominated from the outset, forcing Argentina well back into their own territory and converting an early three-pointer thanks to Barrett’s successful penalty, though the hosts replied immediately off the boot of Nicolas Sanchez.
New Zealand then broke through for the first try of the match in the seventh minute, Read capping a fine team move to put the visitors 8-3 ahead.
Barrett – who was due to be rested by head coach Steve Hansen until Lima Sopoaga was forced to miss the trip due to the birth of his first child – pulled the strings in an impressive opening 40 minutes and helped the All Blacks cross over for quick-fire tries.
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Damian McKenzie took a quick tap and caught the Pumas defence napping and Barrett converted for a 15-3 lead.
Some more Barrett magic helped extend the lead after he shook off two tackles before offloading to Naholo in the 20th minute.
TRY! That's a double for the skipper! Plenty of razzle in that try with a pass under the legs from @beaudenbarrett sparking it off! #ARGvNZL pic.twitter.com/QJeG3fciJm
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) September 30, 2017
Barrett added the extras and a pass through the legs to team-mate McKenzie, who set up Read for his double, put the All Blacks up 29-3 before the 30-minute mark. The score remained the same at half-time and the New Zealanders did not add to their score until the siren sounded at the end of the match.
Naholo crossed over in the second half but it was ruled out for a forward pass after Argentina closed the gap thanks to Juan Manuel Leguizamon.
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Argentina continued to thwart New Zealand as their error count grew but the All Blacks had the final say after David Havili scored on his Test debut.
Comments on RugbyPass
Kinda strange that he wasn’t with a premiership team or a higher level of rugby? Start playing late or something? With that kind of size and athleticism you’d think someone would have picked him up?
2 Go to commentsShows how much attitude matters. Last week the Brumbies got done, this week they dominated the tournament leaders, who were likely thinking they could cruise to victory.
4 Go to commentsA Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
4 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
10 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
4 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
2 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
2 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to comments