All Blacks Clinch Victory in Cordoba, Ascend to World No.1 Ranking

The New Zealand All Blacks secured a decisive 41-22 victory over Argentina’s Pumas in Cordoba on October 15, 2023. This win not only showcased their prowess on the field but also propelled them to the top of the World Rugby rankings, following an unexpected upset involving the Wallabies against the Springboks earlier that day.

In the post-match press conference, Scott Robertson, head coach of the All Blacks, commended his team’s performance, particularly highlighting the strong atmosphere of the match. The All Blacks built a commanding lead of 31-10 by halftime, but Robertson noted that a lack of discipline allowed Argentina to re-enter the contest. “We let them back in by not having the discipline that’s required,” he remarked.

Despite their early dominance, the All Blacks struggled with handling errors and miscommunication, which hindered their ability to convert several opportunities within the opposition’s 22-meter area. The second half saw a shift in momentum as defensive lapses from the All Blacks allowed Argentina to score two tries, narrowing the gap to just seven points. However, a powerful performance in the final 15 minutes secured their victory, with Samisoni Taukei’aho scoring two tries from lineout drives.

Robertson was initially unaware that the victory had elevated the All Blacks to the top of the World Rugby rankings. When informed, he expressed surprise, stating, “It’s actually something we just learned, because you just told us.” He acknowledged the competitiveness of test rugby, remarking on the narrow margins that separate victory from defeat.

The unexpected shift in rankings was catalyzed by the Wallabies’ remarkable comeback against the Springboks, where they scored 38 unanswered points after trailing 22-0. Robertson emphasized the importance of discipline in test matches, stating, “A moment, discipline, a card, great play, two or three tries back to back can turn test matches.” While pleased with their status as the top-ranked team, he noted that their focus remains on their upcoming match rather than rankings.

Looking ahead to their next encounter in Buenos Aires, Robertson pointed out that there is always room for improvement. “You’re never satisfied as an All Black, because there’s always room to improve,” he said. He mentioned that players such as Tamaiti Williams and Wallace Sititi are available for selection, with Williams likely returning to the front row and Sititi possibly coming off the bench after an impressive performance by Tupou Vaa’i at blindside.

The All Blacks will face Argentina again next Sunday morning (NZT), and selections will reflect performance-based considerations, especially with some squad members yet to make their debuts. The anticipation for the rematch adds another layer of excitement for fans and players alike.

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