New Zealand rode a first-half try blitz to a 42-10 victory over Argentina in the Rugby Championship at Auckland’s Eden Park on Saturday to avenge last week’s shock loss to the Pumas in Wellington. Damian McKenzie, skipper Ardie Savea, Caleb Clarke, Will Jordan and Beauden Barrett all crossed to give the All Blacks a 35-3 lead at halftime despite teeming rain and strong winds at the spiritual home of New Zealand rugby. Jordan added his second try soon after the break to drive home the advantage but the Pumas managed to stem the flood of tries before scoring one of their own through Juan Cruz Mallia in the 72nd minute.
Flyhalf McKenzie converted all six All Blacks tries with a perfect night from the kicking tee as New Zealand extended their 30-year unbeaten run at Eden Park to 50 tests. “Very happy to get the win and respond the way we did,” said New Zealand captain Savea. “We’re the All Blacks, we’ve got to bring that every week and not rely on a loss to get that response from us.
” The All Blacks had clearly learned the lessons of last week’s 38-30 defeat and took a big step up in precision, execution, game management and physicality in difficult conditions. Argentina’s rush defence was unpicked by a Jordie Barrett chip that sent McKenzie over for the first try in the sixth minute and number eight Savea barged over for the second 11 minutes later. A smart interception by lock Tupou Vaa’i laid the groundwork for winger Clarke’s score in the 24th minute a.