Lipovitan Rugby Championship 2024 - New Zealand 30-38 Argentina - 10/08/2024
The All Blacks made the worst possible start to their Rugby Championship defence, falling to a shock 38-30 defeat which was just their 3rd in 42 meetings against Argentina, and second on New Zealand soil. The defeat also extends the All Blacks’ winless run in Wellington to five matches their last victory in the capital came in 2018 against France.
The All Blacks led 20-8 late in the first half after a sluggish start to the game but were made to pay for their mistakes after Argentina cut the lead to five after a costly giveaway. After half-time the Pumas came out firing and drew first blood when Franco Molina scored off a lineout drive, just two minutes into the second half. Damian McKenzie had a try disallowed in the second half after a forward pass further frustrated the All Black's following a TMO review.
Several horror sequences from the All Black's ensued which were ruthlessly punished as veteran hooker Agustin Creevy crashed over under the posts following the scrum to put Argentina ahead just 10 minutes from the end of the game. Man of the moment Carreras added a crucial penalty late on in an 18-point haul to put the Pumas eight points clear, which would have forced the All Blacks to score twice in the final stages of the game.
Tomas Albornoz kicked the ball out across the sideline in the 80th minute after the All Blacks gave away another penalty at the death, which sparked wild celebrations in the Pumas squad which they shared with their passionate fans who stayed long after to enjoy a moment which will surely live long in the memories of Pumas fans.
Result:
All Black's 30-38 Argentina
Photo's were taken for Speed Media AU / Icon Sports Wire
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