New Zealand 15-25 Argentina: Pumas earn historic win over All Blacks

Sacha Pisani
November 14, 2020 08:13 MYT
Argentina made history by claiming their first win over New Zealand with a sensational 25-15 victory in Sydney on Saturday.

The Pumas had not beaten the All Blacks in 29 previous Tests – losing 28 games and drawing once – but that dramatically changed in their first international since last year's Rugby World Cup in October as Nicolas Sanchez produced a masterclass and scored every point for his team.

Argentina held a 16-3 half-time lead and never looked back in the Tri-Nations showdown, despite a New Zealand rally at Bankwest Stadium, where the All Blacks were condemned to back-to-back Test defeats for the first time since August 2011.

The All Blacks were desperate for a response following last week's 24-22 loss to trans-Tasman rivals Australia in the final Bledisloe Cup encounter, having already wrapped up the title.

But Ian Foster did not get the reaction he wanted as Argentina stunned a near full strength New Zealand on Australian soil.

Hay imágenes que no necesitan descripción. ¡Qué alegría volver a escuchar el himno en una cancha! #VamosLosPumas #VamosArgentina pic.twitter.com/EzZXDQQqxS

— Los Pumas (@lospumas) November 14, 2020
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Argentina and New Zealand traded penalty goals before the Pumas took control – star Sanchez collecting the rebound after his chipped pass bounced horribly for Beauden Barrett and crossing in the 19th minute.

Pumas fly-half Sanchez had two tries and as many assists in his previous five Tests against New Zealand heading into the match, scoring 50 points.

With the All Blacks rattled, Sanchez drilled two more penalty goals before half-time as Argentina moved clear.

It's your night tonight Argentina, congratulations. #NZLvARG pic.twitter.com/gKFfL1bHv0

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 14, 2020
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Argentina extended their lead thanks to Sanchez's fourth three-pointer of the game, though New Zealand threatened a comeback when Sam Came crashed over to reduce the deficit to 19-10 in the 53rd minute.

New Zealand huffed and puffed, and while Caleb Clarke muscled his way over at the death, Sanchez's fifth and sixth penalty goals had already put a historic result beyond doubt.

#New Zealand #Nicolas Sanchez #Argentina #Test #Rugby Union #Internationals