Newcastle (Australia) (AFP)

After two defeats in a row, a rarity, the All Blacks took a nice revenge against Argentina on Saturday (38-0) and will win the Rugby Championship in Australia.

Only an impossible scenario in the final meeting between Australia and Argentina could deprive them of a 17th title: a victory for the Australians with a margin of 101 points or the Argentines with a 93-point difference. ..

Before the start of this meeting in Newcastle, north of Sydney in New South Wales, New Zealand captain Sam Cane presented a Blacks jersey flocked to the N.10 and named Maradona.

A gesture of homage followed by the traditional haka and an equally traditional demonstration of rugby.

Because the Blacks, even if they initially showed nervousness as during their failures against Australia (24-22) and Argentina (25-15), remained intractable in defense and ended up pierce the Argentine curtain to regain their pride by this river score.

They will recover the trophy obtained for the last time in 2018 and left to the South Africans last year.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the tournament is taking place entirely in Australia and without the world champion South Africa, who withdrew before the competition.

The Pumas, who brought down the All Blacks for the first time in their history on November 14, have this time run out of ideas.

This is the first time since June 25, 2016 and a 27-0 defeat against France that they do not score points.

They will play the last game against the Australians next Saturday in Sydney for second place.

- Strong in defense -

For a long time, however, on Saturday, the score remained blocked, as a symbol in these days of tributes to the most famous N.10 of football who died Wednesday, at 10-0 in favor of the Blacks.

Because after their first try signed, in the corner, by hooker Dane Coles following a jump pass from another N.10, Richie Mo'Unga, the Blacks only had a penalty from the latter ( 10-0, 17th) to get their teeth into the first half.

Solid in the defensive phase, as during a rare Argentine incursion into their camp (20th), the Blacks have long failed a few centimeters to make the break (42nd, 47th, 50th).

There was then an unusual annoyance on the faces.

But by dint of domination, the inevitable happened, on a long touch well received by Scott Barrett and transmitted to Ardie Savea for the liberating test (17-0, 52nd).

Entered in the 65th, Crusaders winger Will Jordan then took over, scoring two tries in quick succession with his vista (69th, 71st).

The bonus in his pocket, the All Blacks ensured the win of the Rugby Championship.

A last try by Patrick Tuipulotu and a new transformation of Mo'unga made it possible to complete the score with a wide 38-0 (80th + 4) ... At the foot of the wall, the All Blacks avoided a third defeat in style of rank, something that has not happened since 1998.

© 2020 AFP