The Scotsman

All Blacks clinch third successive title in Buenos Aires

-

New Zealand sealed the Rugby Championsh­ip with a convincing 35-17 victory over Argentina.

The All Blacks clinched their third straight title thanks to tries by Rieko Ioane, Waisake Naholo, Patrick Tuipulotu and Anton Lienert-brown.

New Zealand, on the back of a 36-34 defeat by South Africa in Wellington a fortnight ago, bounced back with fierce determinat­ion, controllin­g the game from start to finish despite a less experience­d squad.

Argentina opened the scoring in Buenos Aires with a Nicolas Sanchez penalty, but New Zealand were quick to respond, Ioane crossing after eight minutes, and Beauden Barrett converting to give the All Blacks an early lead.

Waisake Naholo had the All Blacks’ second try before Ioane got his brace after a referee review, also converted by Barrett, putting the side in a commanding 21-3 lead at the break.

Patrick Tuipulotu added to New Zealand’s lead after mere minutes on the field as Argentina desperatel­y sought to get a try on the board, Tomas Cubelli finally rewarding their efforts in the 58th minute.

Emiliano Boffelli added another try and a conversion from Nicolas Sanchez closed the gap to 28-17 before substitute­s Richie Mo’unga and Anton Lienert-brown teamed up for the final try and conversion.

 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom