Argentina down All Blacks for first time in historic Tri-Nations upset

Widely regarded as one of the greatest sports teams in the world, New Zealand’s rugby union team suffered a shock 25-15 loss on Saturday as Argentina beat the All Blacks for the first time in its history.

The match was Argentina’s first Test in 13 months, and their victory ensured the All Blacks suffered a second defeat in a row, after losing to Australia.

The Pumas led 16-3 at the break and kept New Zealand at bay to secure a famous and shock win in Sydney.

“This is a big day for Argentina rugby and also for our country and people,” said Argentina captain Pablo Matera.

“It very tough there at the moment and it was tough for us to come here and prepare ourselves for this tournament.

“We just want to show our people that if you work hard with a lot of determination you can get things done.

“We are really proud of this team and of our country.”

Victory was Argentina’s first in 30 Test matches against the All Blacks.

Fly-half Nicolas Sanchez scored all of their points with a try, six penalties and a conversion.

New Zealand, who lost 24-22 to Australia last week in Brisbane, have been beaten in two consecutive Test matches for the first time since August 2011.

“They probably brought more intensity,” said All Blacks captain Sam Cane. “Their defence was outstanding.

“We couldn’t really get our game going and put them under any pressure with the ball. Too many little errors and ill-discipline issues and they kept the scoreboard ticking over.

“We weren’t good enough, which is extremely disappointing but full credit to them.”

This is one of the most sensational results in recent rugby union history, especially when you consider how Argentina had not played a Test match since the Rugby World Cup 13 months ago.

They were expected to be thrashed by a battle-hardened New Zealand; remember world champions South Africa pulled out of the Rugby Championship citing a lack of match preparation time.

While it is a famous day for the Pumas and a huge result for world rugby, the All Blacks inquest will begin. They have now lost two in a row for the first time since 2011 and look a shadow of the all-conquering side they were under Steve Hansen.

Ian Foster was a controversial appointment to many. Given he only has a two-year contract, he finds himself under pressure already.

Teams

New Zealand: Beauden Barrett; Jordie Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jack Goodhue, Caleb Clarke; Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (capt), Shannon Frizell; Sam Whitelock, Patrick Tuipulotu; Tyrel Lomax, Dane Coles, Joe Moody.

Replacements: Codie Taylor, Alex Hodgman, Nepo Laulala, Tupou Vaa’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Brad Weber, Rieko Ioane, Damian McKenzie.

Argentina: Santiago Carreras; Bautista Delguy, Matias Orlando, Santiago Chocobares, Juan Imhoff; Nicolas Sanchez, Tomas Cubelli; Rodrigo Bruni, Marcos Kremer, Pablo Matera (capt); Matias Alemanno, Guido Petti; Francisco Gomez Kodela, Julian Montoya, Nahuel Tetaz Chapparo

Replacements: Facundo Bosch, Mayco Vivas, Santiago Medrano, Santiago Grondona, Tomas Lezana, Gonzalo Bertranou, Lucio Cinti, Santiago Cordero

Referee: Angus Gardner (AUS)

- Agencies