Argentina vs New Zealand LIVE: Rugby Championship result and ...
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New Zealand produced a scintillating first half performance to kick start the defence of their Rugby Championship crown with a cruise to victory against Argentina.
The visitors scored five tries in the first 40 minutes in Mendoza as their pace, power, accuracy and ambition proved too much for the hosts in a 41-12 win.
Dane Coles got things started after a neat offload from Scott Barrett, whose brothers Beauden and Jordie would later combine for a brilliant coast-to-coast score.
Argentina rallied a little after the interval, with prop Lucio Sordoni marking his international return with five-pointer, but the All Blacks were always in control.
Debutant Emoni Narawa crossed late on as the All Blacks matched South Africa, who had earlier put Australia to the sword in Pretoria, with a bonus point win.
The two sides meet in Auckland next week, with the encounter likely to decide this year’s Rugby Championship winner, with the annual southern hemisphere showpiece shortened to only three rounds due to the World Cup.
Follow all the live updates from the Rugby Championship below:
Australia were not good enough in every department and thoroughly outplayed by a rampant South Africa but coach Eddie Jones believes they will be better for the lessons learnt in their 43-12 Rugby Championship loss in Pretoria on Saturday.
Jones cut a disconsolate figure as he assessed the manner in which his side were picked apart by a Springbok team who scored six tries despite being without several of their regulars who were sent as an advanced party to New Zealand for next weekend’s fixture against the All Blacks in Auckland.
“We were outplayed everywhere, beaten in every department,” Jones told reporters. “Really disappointing but no excuses. We got a realistic appraisal of where we are as a team.”
Australia conceded two penalty tries, received two yellow cards and were forced into numerous errors with ball in hand.
“The discipline breakdown comes from pressure,” Jones said. “If you look at the stats, they (South Africa) had 66% territory and 66% possession. We were forced into the errors.
“There is a game next week (against Argentina in Sydney) and we will be better. It is a bad day at the office and we have to front up and play better than that.
“The only positive we got from the game is the first 20 minutes, we tried to play with pace and we looked dangerous but were not able to sustain that effort.”
Jones praised South Africa’s attack and wing Kurt-Lee Arendse, who scored a hat-trick of tries.
“They were good today. Good with their forward carry, they moved the ball skilfully. They took their opportunities. (Arendse) is a real talent to come out of the South African system.”
Reuters
(EPA)
Harry Latham-Coyle8 July 2023 22:45
We’re straight back amongst things next weekend - a crucial round two of the Rugby Championship sees Argentina head to Sydney to face a battered and bruised Australia, while New Zealand host South Africa in an eagerly-anticipated encounter.
Round two (15th July):
New Zealand v South Africa - Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland (8:05am BST)
Australia v Argentina - CommBank Stadium, Sydney (10:45am BST)
Harry Latham-Coyle8 July 2023 22:30
Still plenty to come from New Zealand, too, a couple of engine room centurions sure to be back in over the summer, and Will Jordan an almost certain starter once fit again. Does Damian McKenzie get more of a run at ten, though? He was excellent today, shaking off his first clearing kick being charged down to knit everything together neatly.
Oodles of options for Ian Foster, though I think he has now found a permanent partnership in the centres. Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane just give the All Blacks so much variety in midfield.
Harry Latham-Coyle8 July 2023 22:20
And how nicely does that tee up next week’s likely decider between New Zealand and South Africa in Auckland? Remember, we’re down to just three Rugby Championship rounds this summer with attentions squarely on the business to come in France later in the year.
Harry Latham-Coyle8 July 2023 22:12
All rather ominous from the All Blacks, that, powering out of sight in the first 40 minutes before moving back down the gears in the second half. It was great to see Argentina come out with some extra intensity - they were much better after the interval, but will rue a flat first half as the visitors blew them away.
New Zealand, World Cup outsiders? Not on that evidence.
Harry Latham-Coyle8 July 2023 22:08
(Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle8 July 2023 21:58
Agustin Creevy has the final word!
He’s a popular scorer, the veteran hooker, pumping a fist as the crowd leap to their feet. Argentina’s maul creates a crater for their former captain, Creevy felled just short but extending his left arm like a chameleon’s tongue to make sure of the score.
Harry Latham-Coyle8 July 2023 21:56
Mateo Carreras’s nose is the colour of some of the Mendoza’s vineyards finest produce as the wing bangs his schnoz on the back of Richie Mo’unga. He’ll be patched up quickly - the wing’s hard work has earned a penalty and a chance for a last home hurrah.
The hooter blares as Argentina kick a subsequent penalty to the corner. The crowd lift the noise, hoping to be sent home a little happier...
Harry Latham-Coyle8 July 2023 21:55
A first try in an All Blacks shirt for Emoni Narawa!
A sliver is all he needs! A fatiguing Argentina’s edges are tested by New Zealand’s twin ball-handlers, Damian McKenzie flicking smartly out to Caleb Clarke to put the left winger in space.
Back to the other side, and Richie Mo’unga spots Finlay Christie tied up, the replacement fly-half stepping in at the base. McKenzie is alive to it, too, filling in for Mo’unga at first receiver to swiftly sweep the ball into Narawa’s hands. It’s a combination we’ve seen plenty this season for the Chiefs - Nicolas Sanchez tries in vain to force the wing out but over he goes for a debut score.
Harry Latham-Coyle8 July 2023 21:50
The scrum will also be reason for Foster to smile. Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Nepo Laulala pick up where Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax left off, leaving Argentina’s replacement front row on the turf and winning a penalty.
Harry Latham-Coyle8 July 2023 21:50
