Reece solid debut in close win
New Zealand held off a spirited Argentina to claim a 20-16 victory in their first Rugby Championship match of the season in Buenos Aires.
And Fijian flyer Sevuloni Reece distinguished himself on debut with a vital defensive effort. Argentina were pounding away at the All Blacks line in the 13th minute when Reece came flying off his wing and stopped Pumas flanker Marco Kremer in his tracks. A try at that point would have allowed Argentina a 13-0 lead.
He was lively and looked to get involved from the get-go, very solid test debut.
The All Blacks led by 11 points at the break following first-half tries by Ngani Laumape and Brodie Retallick.
The Pumas responded well in the second half and struck back as Emiliano Boffelli went over in the 47th minute.
However, they were unable to turn their second-half pressure into points as the world number one side held on.
“That was the definition of a Test match - it was a real ding dong battle,” All Blacks skipper Sam Cane told Sky Sports.
“Massive credit to the Argentines. They put us under real pressure right up until the final whistle so they can be proud. But we stayed calm and composed to hang in there for the win.”
Defeat for Argentina means their wait for a win against the All Blacks goes on - New Zealand have won 28 of the 29 matches between them, with one draw.
New Zealand face South Africa in Wellington this Saturday and Argentina play Australia in Brisbane the same day. SCORERS Argentina (9) 16: Try: Boffelli Con: Sanchez Pens: Sanchez 2, Boffelli New Zealand (20) 20: Tries: Laumape, Retallick Cons: Barrett 2 Pens: Barrett 2,