Backs-to-wall ABs respond
Talk about a response.
The All Blacks have sent Argentina crashing back down to earth with a brilliant bounceback performance, punishing the Pumas 53-3 in their Rugby Championship re-match in Hamilton.
In front of a close-to-sellout crowd in Hamilton last night, the men in black put last week’s historic home defeat well and truly behind them, and gave underpressure coach Ian Foster the most happiest of homecomings.
This was a side full of intent to make up for the horrors of seven days ago, and despite the tricky conditions on offer, their handling was splendid, coupled with a much-needed lift in intensity at the breakdown, and a superb set piece.
Richie Mo’unga pulled the strings in style with a varied kicking game, while Rieko Ioane was back to his brilliant best, working on the back of a powerful pack effort.
When Ioane cut a caper up the middle midway through the second spell to send Jordie Barrett away it was lights out, but just for good measure the All Blacks kept going after the siren to ensure the half century was raised.
Look no further than Tomas Lavanini’s lost ball 15 seconds into the contest for as sure a sign that this wasn’t going to be the Pumas night.
When Aaron Smith fed a bullocking Ethan de Groot from seven metres out, it was 10-0 after as many minutes.
The All Blacks then produced some trademark magic for their second five-pointer.
Under all sorts of pressure, Mo’unga got a grubber away, Will Jordan chased splendidly, and soon it was sent to midfield with lovely quick hands by Sam Cane swinging Ioane into action, putting Caleb Clarke away in the left corner.
The Pumas weren’t without their chance in the All Blacks’ zone, but the issue was, by then
they were already 17-0 behind. Opting for the corner, they were met with solid New Zealand maul defence, then they made a meal of things out wide, and instead, come the 32nd minute, they opted for the sticks to open their account.
It wasn’t to be a turning point, though. In fact, back down their end, the Pumas quickly suffered a double blow. First Lavanini was sin-binned for incorrect ruck entry on the goal-line. Cue a powerful All Blacks scrum against the weakened opposing pack, and with Mo’unga dummying cleverly blindside, a wee Havili gem put Ioane flying under the sticks.
As the bench was emptied, captain Cane was again subbed, but this time it was with a wave
to an applauding home crowd.
What a difference a week makes.
The big moment
Ioane’s try in the final stages of the first half. With Lavanini in the bin, Argentina were right up against it, and the All Blacks did not disappoint, with a powerful scrum then well-executed back play to send the centre over.
Match rating
7/10: The rain added a natural challenge for the players, but the All Blacks were in such touch it hardly mattered.
The big picture
The All Blacks will now travel to Melbourne next week full of confidence for Bledisloe I against the Wallabies, while the Pumas will have to pick themselves up for their home and away finish against the Springboks.
MVP
Rieko Ioane gets the spoils. Along with scoring one crucial try, he set up the second, and made the stunning second-half burst to create the momentum for their fourth.