Sydney (AFP)

Historical!

Argentina, led by its opening half Nicolas Sanchez, author of all points for his team, tamed the All Blacks (25-15) for the first time in its history, Saturday in Sydney, during the third day of the Rugby Championship.

Indeed, the Pumas had never yet beaten New Zealand, in 30 confrontations.

And for the Pumas, it was their first meeting in 13 months, and their victory at the World Cup in Japan against the United States (47-17).

"It's crazy what's happening to us! And I'm not just talking about the result, but how we played, after everything that happened this year", and the coronavirus pandemic that has affected heavily Argentina, reacted the Argentine coach, Mario Ledesma, visibly very moved, after the meeting.

Between health bubble, fortnight and positive cases of Covid-19, the Argentinian Pumas have indeed experienced a nightmarish preparation for the Rugby Championship.

- Cold shower for the All Blacks -

For the All Blacks, after their setback last week against Australia (22-24), on the 2nd day of this event in which South Africa does not participate due to the Covid-19 pandemic, c It's the cold shower: this is the first time since 2011 that New Zealand has lost two consecutive matches.

Since their return to the pitch in October, they had conceded a draw and then twice beaten the Wallabies and signed, in particular, a historic success (43-5) in Sydney on the first day of the Rugby Championship, i.e. the gap on wider in the history between the two teams, before losing for the first time since their semi-final of the World Cup-2019 lost against England, last Saturday against Australia.

We can no longer speak of surprise and the All Blacks already have some concerns to be made.

To avoid a second defeat in a row, New Zealand coach Ian Foster had made ten changes to line up on Saturday what almost looked like a typical team, with all its current best elements and in particular a front row composed of Tyrel Lomax, Dane Coles and Joe Moody.

But it was without counting on brave Argentines, for whom it was the first match in this new version of the Tri-Nations, and who were keen to prove that their place in this competition is not usurped.

"Some of the players haven't seen their families for four months but they all have a positive mindset, they've been great," said Mario Ledesma, as this week an agreement was reached for a new version Super Rugby, which sidelines Japan and makes Argentina's future uncertain.

In the Rugby Championship standings, New Zealand retains first place with six points, ahead of Argentina (4) who have one game less, and Australia (4).

Day 4 of the competition will see Australia meet Argentina at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.

- Sanchez, Mr. 100% -

On Saturday, the Argentines drew on their guts to seek their well-deserved victory against the flagship nation of world rugby.

The Argentine team, advised by former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, was already leading at the 16-3 break and was imperial from start to finish, both in attack and defense, against unruly All Blacks, with weak play. and making too many mistakes.

"Obviously, we can only be disappointed, given the way we played," said after the meeting Ian Foster, who still wanted to salute the "enormous energy" of his team.

Nicolas Sanchez, the Stade Français player, took care of everything for the Pumas: a trickster try (19th), a transformation, and six penalties.

Back from the locker room, the All Blacks tried to resume the course of the game to their advantage, but Argentina managed to resist the pressure.

The All Blacks waited until the 53rd minute to score their first try of the meeting, following a maul from which their captain Sam Crane came out to flatten, before closing the gap in stoppage time by Caleb Clarke for a trial for honor.

But it was too late: the Pumas held their victory and let their joy explode.

© 2020 AFP