The All Blacks outclassed the Pumas in Hamilton (53-3), a week after their historic defeat against the South Americans.
Moribund in 2022, New Zealand took revenge after their surprise defeat inflicted at home by the Pumas last week by crushing Argentina at home (53-3) on Saturday, one year from the start of the next World Cup. .
With seven tries scored by seven different players, the All Blacks made their attacking power speak and washed away the insult of their setback (25-18) last Saturday in Christchurch.
If they avoided a fourth defeat in a row at home, this result takes a little pressure on the shoulders of New Zealand coach Ian Foster whose position was threatened after suffering six defeats in the previous eight matches.
Before the clash between Australia and South Africa on Saturday, the All Blacks temporarily take the lead in the standings thanks to this second success in four games.
Despite wet conditions, New Zealand committed just three handling errors and initiated several sumptuous moves as the defensive wall of Michael Cheika’s players, so solid seven days ago, this time crumbled from the start. .
The All Blacks netted first-half tries through Ethan de Groot, Caleb Clarke and Reiko Ioane, while Jordie Barrett, Ardie Savea, Brodie Retallick and Beauden Barrett scored after the break.
Argentinian Emiliano Boffelli, who had scored 20 points on foot last week, converted a solitary penalty without saving the honor of what looks like a real rout.
Captain Sam Cane, whose armband was in question, expressed his relief: “It was very important (to win), we were a bit under pressure. We weren’t happy with what we produced last week“, did he declare.
“We were in the game from the start and we were able to turn that into points. It was quite a pleasant evening.“, explained the third line wing.
His Argentinian counterpart Julian Montoya said his team learned valuable lessons despite the humiliating scoreline.
“We must continue to work to be better. Last week we weren’t world champions, this week we’re not the worst in the world“, underlined the hooker of Leicester.
In twelve days in Melbourne (Thursday 15), the Blacks will have to confirm their renewed form against the Wallabies.