New Zealand v Argentina LIVE rugby: Result and reaction as Pumas stun the All Blacks
New Zealand 30-38 Argentina: The Pumas pulled off their third win over the All Blacks with a remarkable performance in Wellington
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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:
Australia 0-21 South Africa, 58 minutes
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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