Argentina Stun All Blacks with Historic 29–23 Victory

An inspired Argentina produced a disciplined and relentless display to shock New Zealand 29–23 in a bruising Rugby Championship Test on Saturday, marking their first-ever home win over the All Blacks.

Despite being outscored by three tries to two in Buenos Aires, the Pumas held their nerve, with replacement fly-half Santiago Carreras landing three crucial second-half penalties to push them clear. The performance was a resounding response to their 41–24 defeat against the same opposition in Córdoba a week earlier.

Captain Julián Montoya credited the team’s belief and the electrifying atmosphere at Estadio Vélez Sarsfield: “The stadium was rocking, honestly it was amazing. I’m really proud of the team and the whole squad.
It’s a team effort and a team sport. We believed we could win — we’ve believed for a few years now.
We came back from a tough loss in the last game and we stayed in the fight.”

The triumph was particularly symbolic as Argentina defeated the only Tier One nation they had never previously beaten on home soil.

Damian McKenzie’s late penalty salvaged a bonus point for New Zealand, ensuring they remain at the top of the Rugby Championship table after two rounds.

Earlier in Cape Town, South Africa defeated Australia 30–22, leaving all four teams with one win and one loss.

The All Blacks’ cause was hampered by three yellow cards, two of which came late in the first half, leaving them defending with just 13 men.

New Zealand captain Scott Barrett admitted his side had been second best: “I think they showed more passion and intensity. They got over the gain line and they held the ball, while we gave away penalties which just fed their game. They’re a quality team and we were outclassed.”

Barrett said the defeat would spark serious reflection before their next clash against South Africa on 6 September at Eden Park, where the All Blacks defend an unbeaten 34-year record.

“We’ve got a week back at home and I’m sure there will be a bit of pain within this group because we’ve got a big challenge the following week. We certainly need a bounce.”

Argentina were dealt an early setback when fly-half Tomás Albornoz — who had scored the opening points from a penalty — was forced off injured.

New Zealand then took control, with centre Billy Proctor and prop Fletcher Newell scoring tries to establish a 13–6 advantage midway through the first half.

However, momentum shifted dramatically after All Blacks full-back Will Jordan was shown a yellow card for deliberate obstruction. Moments later, Pumas flanker Juan Martín González crossed the tryline, before Tupou Vaa’i was also sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knockdown.

With two men down, the All Blacks held firm, and the sides went into half-time locked at 13–13.

After the break, Carreras struck twice from the tee, before scrum-half Gonzalo García pounced over following a thunderous charge from Pablo Matera, putting Argentina 13 points clear.

New Zealand clawed back hope when hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho finished off a driving maul, but their chances evaporated as winger Sevu Reece was sin-binned for a deliberate foul.

Final Scoreline

Argentina’s historic triumph not only keeps the Rugby Championship wide open but also sends a powerful message that the Pumas are no longer outsiders, but genuine contenders.