All Blacks Stunned by Argentina in 29-23 Rugby Championship Loss

The All Blacks faced a surprising defeat at the hands of Argentina, losing 29-23 during the Rugby Championship match held in Buenos Aires. This result marks the first time in 40 years that New Zealand has lost a test match in Argentina, raising concerns about the team’s performance and the potential implications for their upcoming matches.

Head coach Scott Robertson expressed disappointment, noting that several minor issues contributed to the outcome. The All Blacks struggled with discipline, receiving three yellow cards throughout the match, which Robertson described as significant setbacks. He stated, “Test footy’s tough. We didn’t get a lot of little things go our way.” The impact of these yellow cards, issued to Will Jordan, Tupou Vaa’i, and Sevu Reece, was evident as the team failed to effectively manage contestable kicks from Argentine players Santiago Carreras and Gonzalo García.

In addition to the disciplinary issues, the All Blacks’ captain Scott Barrett highlighted their lack of possession as a critical factor in their defeat. “With 40 percent territory and 40 percent ball, it’s hard to win a test match,” Barrett admitted. Despite his efforts on the field, which he described as a “decent shift,” the team struggled to match the Pumas’ intensity. Argentina recorded 148 carries compared to New Zealand’s 84, demonstrating their dominance in physical play.

As the match progressed, the All Blacks’ set-piece performance faltered, particularly in the final 15 minutes. Key lineouts were mishandled, and Argentina capitalized on this weakness, with García scoring the match-winning try. Robertson acknowledged the need for the team to improve following their previous comfortable victory in Córdoba, stating that they “didn’t execute well enough.”

Injuries also played a role in the All Blacks’ challenges. Cortez Ratima, the starting halfback, left the field after just 18 minutes due to a chest injury. Although he was cleared to fly home with the team, the extent of his injury remains uncertain until they return to New Zealand. The All Blacks may need to make significant tactical adjustments in light of this setback.

“We’ve got really high standards for ourselves,” Robertson emphasized. “Those standards have been set by other All Blacks teams, and we’ve got to reach them each week.” The focus now shifts to the upcoming clash against the world champions, South Africa, scheduled for 6 September 2023. The Springboks aim to become the first team to defeat the All Blacks at Eden Park since 1994, adding further pressure on New Zealand to perform.

As the All Blacks regroup, the lessons learned from this unexpected loss will be crucial in their preparations for the challenges ahead. The team is determined to rise to the occasion and uphold the legacy of excellence that has defined them over the years.