Rugby Championship: New Zealand Beats Argentina 41-24 in Season Opener

New Zealand's All Blacks overcome a spirited Argentina team 41-24 in their Rugby Championship opener in Córdoba, with Sevu Reece and Samisoni Taukei'aho scoring two tries each.

The All Blacks secured a 41-24 win over Argentina in their Rugby Championship opener, withstanding a fierce comeback from the Pumas. New Zealand's winger Sevu Reece and substitute hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho each scored two tries, while Cortez Ratima and Ardie Savea added to the tally. Argentina's Rodrigo Isgro, Tomas Albornoz, and Joaquin Oviedo also scored tries in a spirited effort.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson praised his team's performance, acknowledging areas for improvement. “You’re never satisfied as an All Black, because there’s always room to improve,” he said. "The exciting part is we did so much good stuff." Robertson also expressed surprise at the All Blacks' new No. 1 ranking in the World Rugby rankings, following the Springboks' loss to Australia

New Zealand dominated Argentina in a Rugby Championship match, winning 41-24. Beauden Barrett and Tomas Albornoz were key players in the scoring, with Barrett kicking 11 points and Albornoz scoring 14 points, including a try and three conversions.

The All Blacks took an early lead with Barrett's penalty kick, followed by a try from Sevu Reece after a long pass from Will Jordan. Argentina quickly responded with a try of their own, courtesy of a long pass to winger Rodrigo Isgro, reducing the deficit to three points.

The All Blacks maintained their lead throughout the match, despite Argentina's strong second-half comeback. New Zealand's superiority was evident, but Argentina's fightback brought the score to 31-24 before New Zealand sealed the win with two late tries from Samisoni Taukei'aho.

The All Blacks dominated the first half, scoring three tries before the break. Will Jordan's impressive run from halfway set up Cortez Ratima's try, followed by Ardie Savea's powerful score from a lineout drive. Just before halftime, New Zealand's forwards relentlessly pressured the Argentine defense, and Ratima swung the ball out to Sevu Reece, who scored in the corner.

In the second half, Argentina launched a strong comeback. Tomas Albornoz's speedy attack caught the All Blacks off guard, and he dived over for a try 11 minutes into the half. When Billy Proctor was sin-binned, Argentina sensed an opportunity, and Joaquin Oviedo capitalized on the numerical advantage, scoring a try in the 64th minute to narrow the deficit to 31-24.

New Zealand put an end to Argentina's hopes of a comeback with a decisive lineout maul try, scored by Samisoni Taukei'aho. He added another try shortly after, sealing the win for the All Blacks.

The two teams will face each other again next Saturday in Buenos Aires, where Argentina will look to bounce back from their 41-24 loss. The rematch promises to be an intense encounter, with both teams seeking to improve their standings in the Rugby Championship.