New Zealand snatched South Africa’s world number one ranking and placed one hand on the Rugby Championship trophy after subjecting Argentina to a second successive thrashing within a week in Brisbane on Saturday.
The All Blacks’ 36-13 bonus-point victory in front of 38 000 at Lang Park extended their lead to 10 points over second-placed South Africa in the Rugby Championship table while knocking Argentina and Australia out of the tournament.
Lock Tupou Vaa’i, pictured, grabbed a brace of tries, while Patrick Tuipulotu, TJ Perenara and hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho also scored five-pointers as the All Blacks continued their rampaging form after hammering the Pumas 39-0 on the Gold Coast last Sunday.
It could have been much worse for Argentina as coach Ian Foster’s side missed out on three tries in the first half and another in the second.
Argentina - Try: Emiliano Boffelli; Conversion: Boffelli; Penalties: Boffelli (2).
New Zealand - Tries: Patrick Tuipulotu, TJ Perenara, Tupou Vaa’i (2), Samisoni Taukeiaho; Conversions: Jordie Barrett (4); Penalty: Barrett.
IAN RANSOM | [email protected]