All Blacks Stunned by Argentina in 29-23 Rugby Championship Loss

The All Blacks suffered a surprising defeat on August 26, 2023, losing 29-23 to Argentina in the Rugby Championship, marking their first loss in 40 years of test matches in Argentina. The defeat, which occurred in Buenos Aires, raised concerns about the team’s performance and the potential impact of an injury to starting halfback Cortez Ratima, who left the field in the first half.

Coach Scott Robertson acknowledged that several factors contributed to this unexpected outcome. “Test footy’s tough,” he stated, reflecting on the challenges faced during the match. The All Blacks received three yellow cards to players Will Jordan, Tupou Vaa’i, and Sevu Reece, which certainly influenced the game’s dynamics. Robertson noted that the team struggled to deal with contestable kicks from Santiago Carreras and Gonzalo García, which deviated from their typically reliable backfield performance.

Key Statistics Highlight All Blacks’ Struggles

The statistics from the match painted a concerning picture for the All Blacks. They had only 40 percent possession and territory, making it difficult to secure a win. Captain Scott Barrett emphasized the importance of possession, stating, “With 40 percent territory and 40 percent ball, it’s hard to win a test match.” He lauded the Pumas as a “class act” and admitted that the All Blacks did not perform at their best.

Further analysis revealed that the Pumas made 148 carries compared to the All Blacks’ 84, displaying their dominance on the field. Argentina also achieved double the post-contact metres and executed six line breaks. The All Blacks struggled particularly during the set-pieces, as key lineouts failed in the final 15 minutes, allowing the Pumas to capitalize on the situation and secure a match-winning try.

Robertson expressed disappointment in the team’s execution, noting that they had aimed to improve areas highlighted in their previous win in Córdoba. “They [the Pumas] were hungry, won a lot of those scraps, and fed off the crowd,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for the team to elevate their standards.

Injury Concerns and Upcoming Challenges

Following the match, Robertson confirmed that Cortez Ratima had sustained a chest injury but was cleared to travel back to New Zealand with the team. The severity of the injury will be assessed upon their return, which could lead to tactical adjustments within the squad.

“We’ve got really high standards for ourselves,” Robertson said, reflecting on the legacy of past All Blacks teams. “These tests are their own story, and we’ve got to write it the best we can through effort.”

Looking ahead, the All Blacks face a significant challenge as they prepare to host world champions South Africa on September 6, 2023, at Eden Park. South Africa aims to become the first team to defeat the All Blacks at this iconic venue since 1994, adding further pressure on the New Zealand team to rebound from their recent loss.