Clinical Kiwis look ominous

– New Zealand’s 3517 win over Argentina on Saturday sealed not only a third consecutive Rugby Championship – and a sixth in seven years – but also gave the world another reminder of their strength in depth a year from the next World Cup.

The world champions were missing several regulars in Buenos Aires, particularly in the pack, with Joe Moody, Owen Franks, and captain Kieran Read among those absent and Luke Whitelock replaced by Ardie Savea (above) shortly before kickoff after falling ill.

It made little difference as the visitors recovered from a shaky first five minutes to dominate a team who have still to record a win against them in 28 games.

The All Blacks, who bounced back from the defeat against South Africa two weeks ago to avoid a second consecutive loss for the first time since 2011, have been particularly clinical in the scrum in this tournament.

They won all nine scrums here to take their total in the five games so far to 31 won and none lost. – Reuters

Buenos Aires