All Blacks in Puma scare

NEW ZEALAND maintained their 100 per cent start to the season with a bonus-point victory over plucky Argentina at Yarrow Stadium.

The All Blacks had to come from 17-0 down to beat Australia in their last match and they were given another scare by the winless Pumas, who held a 22-15 second-half lead.

Nehe Milner-Skudder and Anton Lienert-Brown scored early tries for New Zealand but six points from the boot of Nicolas Sanchez and a huge penalty from Emiliano Boffelli kept the visitors in touch.

Israel Dagg went over just before the break to extend the home side’s lead only for Sanchez to touch down on the last play of the half.

Beauden Barrett’s three missed conversions allowed Sanchez to nudge Argentina ahead at half-time and another Boffelli penalty just after the restart gave them a 19-15 lead.

The game was still in the balance with 20 minutes remaining but tries from Damian McKenzie and Barrett either side of a Lima Sopoaga penalty gave New Zealand a third straight win.