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Argentina have beaten the All Blacks for the first time in history, with a staunch defense that set up a historic 25-15 victory over New Zealand at Sydney’s Bankwest Stadium tonight.
Photo: PhotoSport / David Neilson
With a 16-3 lead at halftime, the Pumas boarded with all their hearts in the second half for the win.
Nicolás Sánchez scored all of Argentina’s points with one try, six penalties and a conversion, while the Pumas endured a fierce late attack from the All Blacks to secure a famous victory in their first Test in more than a year.
Photo: PhotoSport / Stuart Walmsley
It was the first Argentine loss for the All Blacks in 30 attempts since 1985.
The Argentines were hardly given a chance to record their first win over the All Blacks in their first tournament after being kept off the pitch for most of the season by the global health crisis.
See how the game developed with Jamie Wall’s live blog
Sanchez was a clear Man of the Match, but it was a 23-man effort as the Pumas frantically boarded, shook like hell, and ran the ball confidently throughout the 80 minutes in front of 9063 fans enjoying the afternoon sun in Sydney.
“It is a great game for Argentine rugby today,” said captain Pablo Matera.
“There are a lot of guys who have put this shirt on before us and this allowed us to get here. We are used to (adversity), it is always difficult for Argentina. We just wanted to show our people that if you work hard, you get your rewards.”
The All Blacks were looking to prevail in the competition after losing 24-22 to Australia last week in Brisbane, but instead fell after consecutive losses in testing for the first time since August 2011.
Photo: PhotoSport / David Neilson
Captain Sam Cane finally made his way over the Argentina line in the 53rd minute and winger Caleb Clarke followed the horn, but it was too little, too late for the All Blacks.
“It was very hard, all the merit of Argentina, they came out with more intention than us and they deserved their victory tonight,” said Cane.
“They kept coming, a lot of mistakes on our part.”
New Zealand continues to lead the standings with six points ahead of Australia and Argentina, who have four.
Photo: AFP
– Reuters
