Rugby: how the All Blacks are in pole position for the Three Nations title

Despite back-to-back losses, the All Blacks appear to be back in the driver’s seat to claim the Tri Nations following the draw between Australia and Argentina in Newcastle last night.

Thanks to the start of Nicolás Sánchez once again, the Pumas rallied 15-6 against to claim a 15-15 draw. It was only the second draw between the two nations, the only other being in 1987.

The result means that the All Blacks remain top of the Tri Nations with all three teams now sitting at six points.

Argentina has an extra game in hand, but despite that, it seems that the All Blacks are in the best position.

Ian Foster’s team has a higher points difference and a win against Argentina on Saturday could secure the title.

A victory on Saturday in Newcastle would put the All Blacks four points, or possibly five points but let’s not get carried away, ahead of Argentina and Australia who will contest the final test in Sydney in fifteen days.

That would mean either Argentina or Australia would need to beat the other team by at least 17 points, or with a bonus point to deny the All Blacks. And that skyrockets if the All Blacks beat the Pumas by a single point.

But if the Pumas managed a second straight win over the All Blacks, then the Tri Nations should be theirs, as Australia would need a big win in their final clash to drag them down.

Australia now has the week off and prepares for its last test of the year, while Argentina faces a third consecutive weekend of testing.