Boffelli puts the boot into All Blacks
ALL BLACKS coach Ian Foster’s future was in question again last night after his side crashed to a humiliating 25-18 home defeat by Argentina.
Foster was jeered at the final whistle in Christchurch following a third straight home loss and one of the biggest shocks in international rugby.
Juan Martin Gonzalez scored the Pumas’ lone try, while Edinburgh winger Emiliano Boffelli kicked 20 points.
‘There is a shed-full of people that are hurting right now,’ said a bewildered Foster after seeing New Zealand slump to a sixth loss in their last eight matches. Victory gave Argentina their first-ever win over the All Blacks in New Zealand and moved them top of the Rugby Championship.
The All Blacks had led 15-6 early on thanks to tries from Samisoni Taukei’aho and Caleb Clarke and, after going in at the break 15-12 ahead, Richie Mo’unga’s second penalty extended their advantage.
But Boffelli’s boot kept the Pumas in the game and flanker Gonzalez scored an opportunist second-half try.
New Zealand’s ill-discipline throughout the match cost them and they played the last nine minutes with 14 men after a yellow card for Shannon Frizell.
The victory gives Argentina successive wins in the Rugby Championship for the first time, after their 48-17 thrashing of Australia two weeks ago.
‘I’m very proud of our team — we are starting to believe what we can do,’ said captain Julian Montoya. ‘I’m very, very happy and very, very proud. It’s a very special moment for us.’
Earlier, two tries from flanker Fraser McReight helped Australia get past world champions South Africa 25-17.
The Wallabies were on top from the start against the Springboks, McReight barging over in the opening minute.
After the break, Marika Koroibete finished off a smooth move before McReight dived over for his second.
Kwagga Smith replied with two tries for the Springboks in the final five minutes. However Australia continued their nineyear unbeaten streak on home soil against the South Africans.