All Blacks overcome stern resistance from Argentina
New Zealand 39-22 Argentina, Yarrow Stadium
Scorecard
New Zealand dominated the final 30 minutes to overcome a stiff challenge from Argentina and completed a 39-22 win in their Rugby Championship clash at Yarrow Stadium on Saturday.
Nehe Milner-Skudder and Anton Lienert-Brown scored tries in the 7th and 17th minutes respectively to give a promising start for New Zealand but Beauden Barrett missed both the conversions.
Nicholas Sanchez kicked a penalty and a drop goal on either side of a three pointer from Emiliano Boffelli as Argentina fought back to reduce the trail to one point by the end of the 24th minute.
Even though New Zealand's third try came through Israel Dagg in the 35th minute, Sanchez ensured the visitors had the momentum on their side with a converted try at the stroke of half time as they completed the first half with a 15-16 lead.
The Pumas further upped the ante as Sanchez kicked two more penalties at restart with the second coming following a sin-bin to Barrett as Argentina increased their lead to seven points.
Despite, having a man short, All Blacks replied back with a touchdown from flanker Vaea Fifita while replacement Lima Sopoaga slotted the conversion to level the score 22-22.
As the final quarter kicked underway, the All Blacks shifted gears with Damian McKenzie strolling past the post and Sopoaga kicked a conversion and a penalty. Barrett, who had a poor outing until the 76th minute, scored the final try in the game as New Zealand completed a 39-22 win to maintain their winning streak in the tournament.
