Match Centre: New Zealand 39-0 Argentina

New Zealand 39-0 Argentina, Cbus Super Stadium

New Zealand came up with a five-try performance as they blanked Argentina 39-0 in the third round of the Rugby Championship at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday.

The result meant New Zealand have consolidated their position at the top with three wins from as many games while Argentina with their third defeat are languishing at the bottom of the table.

The opening points in the game came in the 10th minute when Beauden Barrett launched an attack and offloaded to Reiko Ioane, who dotted down and Barrett also followed with the conversion making it 7-0.

The All Blacks thought they doubled their tally in the 14th minute when a chip kick from Beauden was gathered by Jordie Barrett as he forced his way over but was ruled out after consultation with the Television Match Official.

Ian Foster's men once again looked intimidating as Reiko Ioane breached the defence of the Pumas and attempted to offload to Sevu Reece but the pass was intercepted by Santiago Cordero.

The deadlock eventually broke in the 34th minute as Barrett kicked his maiden penalty kick to increase New Zealand's lead to 10-0 and it became 15-0 as Sevu Reece dived from close quarters in the 37th minute.

Argentina's chances took a severe blow as they lost Pablo Matera just before the end of the opening half for a cynical defensive foul. With the numerical advantage on their side, David Papalii ensured the All Blacks headed into the break with a 22-0 lead as he dived over at the back of a maul while Jordie Barrett improved it.

The All Blacks started the second half in a similar to first when Beauden sent a perfect pass for Luke Jacobson to score and Jordie kicked the extras making it 29-0. New Zealand thought they had their fifth try in the 66th minute but Ethan Blackadder's effort was turned down.

Nevertheless, three minutes later Jacobson scored his second at the back of a scrum after Argentina lost Carlos Muzzio to yellow card and Jordie kicked a conversion and a penalty to complete a 39-0 victory.