The Pumas, who exploited the indiscipline of New Zealanders in full doubt, notably won thanks to 20 points from their striker, Emiliano Boffelli, author of six penalties and a transformation.

For the Blacks, the crisis opened by the poor results of coach Ian Foster, maintained in his post despite criticism, had barely subsided with the latest success in South Africa.

She should start again.

After a setback in Ireland in November (29-20), the New Zealanders were indeed beaten by France (40-25), Ireland (23-12 and 32-22), and South Africa (26-10).

The future of Foster at the head of the Blacks could again be debated, barely ten days after being officially retained in his post by the boss of the New Zealand federation, Mark Robinson.

The hopes glimpsed during the victory against South Africa (35-23) two weeks ago were shattered against the Pumas.

Nervous and penalized many times during the game, the Blacks never showed the offensive efficiency that made their reputation, except on a try against Clarke in the 32nd minute.

"We can do it"

"They put a lot of pressure on us in the second half, and we didn't react the way we would have liked," said third row and captain Sam Cane.

Coming up against an aggressive and efficient Argentine defense, the New Zealanders were hooked and several times led to the score by the Pumas, who definitively took the advantage on a try from third line Juan Martin Gonzalez (47th), after an error of Blacks on receipt of a dismissal.

Two penalties from Boffelli (57th and 66th) sealed the fate of the match.

It's only Argentina's second victory against the Blacks in 34 games.

Their first success dates back to 2020 (25-15), in Sydney, Australia.

"We're really starting to believe that we can do it and it's not just a moment of magic like the first time," said Argentine captain Julian Montoya.

With this victory, the Argentinians retain the lead in the Rugby Championship, the tournament bringing together the four best nations in the southern hemisphere.

The two teams will face each other again next Saturday in Hamilton (New Zealand) for the 4th day.

© 2022 AFP