New Zealand 25 Argentina 19
BUENOS AIRES - The All Blacks escaped with another narrow victory against Argentina here today, maintaining a clean record in three tests this year despite splitting their large squad in the buildup to next year's rugby World Cup.
While one team beat Ireland in
two tests earlier this month, today the Jerry Collins led side scored three tries to one beating Argentina 25-19 -- a similar margin to when the All Blacks played their previous test in Buenos Aires five years ago.
The All Blacks finally took the upper hand in the 50th minute when winger Scott Hamilton marked his test debut with the team's third try after New Zealand first five-eighth Daniel Carter and his counterpart Federico Todeschini both landed penalties for the final scores.
On the wet and slippery Velez Sarsfield Stadium Carter missed four shots at goal and a dropped goal, while Todeschini was off-target with four penalties.
The stop-start match wasn't helped by the pedantic Welsh referee Nigel Whitehouse.
He was quick to blow up after the tackle and awarded numerous penalties for offences that confused both teams.
The All Blacks and the Pumas approached him several times for clarifications.
Fullback Leon MacDonald and Carter scored the other two tries for the All Blacks and Carter was on target with two penalties and two conversions.
Blindside flanker Martin Durand was set up by halfback and captain Augustin Pichot for the Pumas only try in the 22nd minute which Todeschini converted to give them a 13-8 lead.
Todeschini added his third penalty goal but Carter's 33nd minute converted try closed the gap to 15-16 for halftime.
MacDonald had scored the All Blacks opening try in the 13th minute.
- NZPA
