Argentina toppled New Zealand in Buenos Aires on Saturday to record their first-ever home win over the All Blacks in a fiery Rugby Championship clash.
The Pumas were outscored three tries to two in their 29-23 win, but replacement flyhalf Santiago Carreras held his nerve with three second-half penalties to seal a famous result, just a week after their 41-24 defeat in Cordoba.
Captain Julian Montoya credited the passionate home crowd for lifting his side to new heights.
āThe stadium was rocking, honestly it was amazing. Iām really proud of the team and the whole squad,ā Montoya said. āWe believed that we could win, weāve believed for a few years now. We came back from a tough loss in the last game and we stayed in the fight.ā
The All Blacks earned a late bonus point through Damian McKenzieās penalty, keeping them on top of the Rugby Championship after two rounds, with all four sides having notched a win and a loss following the Springboksā 30-22 victory over the Wallabies in Cape Town.
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Ranked seventh in the world, Argentina dominated large passages against the top-ranked All Blacks, who paid heavily for three yellow cards ā including two late in the first half that left them down to 13 men.
New Zealand captain Scott Barrett admitted his team were second best.
āI think they showed more passion and intensity. They got over the gain line and they held the ball, while we gave away penalties which just fed their game. Theyāre a quality team and we were outclassed.ā
Barrett warned of some āsoul-searchingā before the All Blacks defend their proud, unbeaten record at Eden Park against the Springboks on 6 September.
āWeāve got a week back at home and Iām sure there will be a bit of pain within this group because weāve got a big challenge the following week. We certainly need a bounce.ā
Argentina struck first through a Tomas Albornoz penalty before the flyhalf left the field injured. New Zealand responded with tries from Billy Proctor and Fletcher Newell to lead 13-6, but momentum swung when Will Jordan was yellow-carded for obstruction.
The Pumas hit back with Juan Martin Gonzalezās try and another sin-bin to Tupou Vaaāi left the visitors reeling as the sides turned level at 13-13.
Carreras added two penalties after the break before Gonzalo Garcia dived over following a bulldozing run from Pablo Matera. Samisoni Taukeiāahoās try gave the All Blacks hope, but Sevu Reeceās late yellow card ended the fightback and handed Argentina a slice of history.
HISTORIC VICTORY!
@lospumas beats the @AllBlacks for the first time ever on home soil#ARGvNZL #TheRugbyChampionship pic.twitter.com/TpOgfMk66y
ā TheRugbyChampionship (@SanzarTRC) August 23, 2025
Ā© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Rodrigo Valle/Getty Images
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