Argentina’s horror show for All Blacks fans
The rugby public of Christchurch deserved better than this after their long wait for an All Blacks test, writes Richard Knowler.
NZ Rugby has got itself into a right old mess, hasn’t it? Their decision to stick with Ian Foster as All Blacks coach instead of appointing Scott Robertson made the worst possible start in Christchurch last night when Argentina produced a magnificent blood and guts performance to produce a stunning 25-18 victory at Orangetheory Stadium.
It would not be over-egging to say the high priests of NZ Rugby must have felt like they had stumbled into a horror show, and become the main characters, after what unfolded in front of their eyes.
This, remember, was Argentina’s first-ever win on New Zealand soil.
What a nightmare. So many questions will be asked, again, about whether Foster is the right man to be the coach of this team through to the World Cup.
And to think, things started so nicely for Foster. Before the game Foster marched up the stairs towards his office by swapping pleasantries with the local punters.
There was no heckling, no belligerent behaviour, even though this was ‘‘Razor’’ Robertson country.
Afterwards, though, everyone was left asking: What on earth is happening with the All Blacks? What happens now?
This was a big moment for the people of Christchurch. Starved of All Blacks tests since 2016, because NZ Rugby wasn’t prepared to stage fixtures in the modest ‘‘temporary’’ stadium in the suburb of Addington, they had high hopes of seeing the All
Blacks reproduce another sparkling performance.
They didn’t get it. Not by a long shot.
Two tries to hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho and left wing Caleb Clarke were obvious highlights for the All Blacks, so too was their tenacity in defence as they didn’t concede a try, but the discipline was poor and the catch-pass game that had been a delight to watch in Johannesburg lost its sheen.
Referee Nika Amashukeli might have wished to replace his whistle at halftime, such was the work-out he gave the instrument.
The Georgian also caned the Argentinians in the first spell, which contributed to a frustrating spectacle for the 20,300 fans who quickly grew tired of watching the sharpshooters calling for the kicking tees, or hoofing for the touchline for lineouts.
It was all rather painful. And it was to get much worse.
A try to Juan Martin Gonzalez, with Emiliano Boffelli kicking 20 points, pushed Argentina out to a 25-18 lead with 10 minutes left on the clock.
Then the rot started to set in. A sloppy exit after the kick-off, resulted in the visitors charging at the All Blacks like a line of wild men running into battle, led to the ball spilling loose and No 8 Gonzalez unleashed a powerful run to the line.
But for their part, the All
Blacks repeatedly failed to find ways to bust through the ferocious South American defence.
An attacking lineout was botched when replacement hooker Codie Taylor threw the ball too far over the back and Argentina couldn’t believe their luck.
For the media scribblers, who were seated outside behind the All Blacks squad members who weren’t picked to play, this was also a chance to see how they reacted to seeing their team-mates struggle for cohesion on the grass.
Their faces were creased with worry lines. And, their upside down smiles continued when blindside flanker Shannon Frizell was yellow carded after a series of ruck penalties.
Argentina left the ground feeling like kings.
Now All Blacks fans are again asking if Ian Foster is the right man to be in charge of their team.
The All Blacks, again guilty of a clunky attack, had their chances, including in the final minute, only for Codie Taylor’s lineout throw inside the Pumas’ 22 to be ruled wonky. The Pumas then booted the ball out to secure the win.
For those who fronted at Orangetheory Stadium after waiting six long years for the All Blacks to return to Christchurch, they weren’t treated to a classic.
The big moment
Look no further than Juan Martin
Gonzalez’s try, his team’s only one, but it swung the fixture their way. Match rating: 7/10
A tense clash that went down to the wire and shows test rugby is as competitive as ever.
The big picture
Less than a fortnight after backing Foster and their coaching staff through next year’s World Cup, this is the last thing New Zealand Rugby needed. The heat remains very much on Foster.
Emiliano Boffelli. The sharpshooting weapon who booted punished the All Blacks’ ill discipline with 20 points off the tee.