New Zealand vs Argentina LIVE: Rugby Championship result as Pumas score famous win over All Blacks

Argentina beat the All Blacks for the first time on New Zealand soil with a 25-18 victory in a Rugby Championship test in Christchurch on Saturday.

The Pumas achieved their first ever win over New Zealand two years ago in another Rugby Championship match in Sydney.

Score: Argentina 25 (Juan Martin Gonzalez try; Emiliano Boffelli conversion, 6 penalties), New Zealand 18 (Samisoni Taukei’aho, Caleb Clarke tries; Richie Mo’unga conversion, 2 penalties). HT: 12-15

Follow all the reaction from the Test between the All Blacks and the Pumas with our live blog below.

Rugby Championship live - New Zealand vs Argentina

• New Zealand take on Argentina in the third round of the Rugby Championship

• TRY! NEW ZEALAND 5-3 Argentina (Samison Taukei’aho try, 12 minutes)

• TRY! NEW ZEALAND 15-6 Argentina (Caleb Clarke try, 33 minutes)

• HALF TIME! NEW ZEALAND 15-12 ARGENTINA

• TRY! New Zealand 18-19 ARGENTINA (Juan Martin Gonzalez try, 48 minutes)

• FT: ARGENTINA BEAT THE ALL BLACKS IN NEW ZEALAND FOR THE FIRST TIME

Julian Montoya celebrates an historic win for his side

10:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“First of all, thanks to all the Argentina fans who came here to visit with us or woke up at 4.30 in Argentina,” the talismanic skipper says. “Today, I am really proud of our team - we worked very hard for this. We must enjoy it but we have another game in seven days. I am very proud, very happy, there are lots of emotions.

“It is a really special moment for us.”

F/T: New Zealand 18-25 Argentina

10:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Remarkable. An extraordinary win for Argentina, a defensive masterclass.

Sam Cane has some immediate reflections on the All Blacks’ defeat “It certainly felt particularly in the first half we were more dominant in areas than we managed to show on the scoreboard. A lot of credit must go to Argentina - they stuck in it and eventually turned the tables. They were good enough to get the win tonight. They are probably one of the better defensive sides in the world. We weren’t able to convert into points.

“It certainly felt like there wasn’t much rhythm or flow in the game, a lot of stop-start, but footy is always difficult. We will travel up to Hamilton tomorrow and give it another crack. We’ve got to be better than we were tonight.”

ARGENTINA BEAT THE ALL BLACKS IN NEW ZEALAND FOR THE FIRST TIME

10:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

THEY’VE DONE IT! The scrum is a grotesque thing, bodies everywhere, but the ball is in Pablo Matera’s huge right paw and safely away before the All Blacks can mount a proper challenge, and Argentina get with their number eight as he carries around the corner. A slow ruck, a joyous thump into the stands - history for Argentina!

FULL TIME! NEW ZEALAND 18-25 ARGENTINA

10:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Zealand 18-25 Argentina, 79 minutes

10:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

THE LINEOUT ISN’T STRAIGHT! Codie Taylor’s throw drifts to the outside hand of Scott Barrett and Argentina are 60 seconds away from victory.

The visitors are almost there. One solid scrum may be all that is required. Stephen Perofeta makes his debut for the All Blacks, arriving just in time, perhaps, for the last rites.

New Zealand 18-25 Argentina, 78 minutes

10:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Close-in carriers. Ardie Savea first, Akira Ioane second, a powerful one-two punch but unable to make significant metres. Jordie Barrett nearly does, cutting back and stepping savagely, but he’s cut down. An All Blacks clearer enters from the side - back for the penalty.

A minute and a half left as New Zealand kick into the corner. The wondrous Julian Montoya finally takes permanent leave - Santiago Socino on to try and see it out...

New Zealand 18-25 Argentina, 77 minutes

10:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Zealand start to again bang on that sturdy Argentine door. Will Jordan arrives at speed, and is taken high. Just a penalty, but a bit more freedom for the All Blacks to play with as Nika Amashukeli invites them to continue with the advantage.

New Zealand 18-25 Argentina, 76 minutes

10:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

More lineout woe for New Zealand and the ball is back in the hands of Argentina! A timely hand from Guido Petti to steal it.

Tomas Cubelli hooks a boxed clearance away.

New Zealand 18-25 Argentina, 75 minutes

10:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Julian Montoya is still going strong in the centre of that Argentina front row. He did spend a little time off the field in the first half to receive some treatment on a wound to the head, but this has been a remarkable, tireless effort from the skipper.

A crucial scrum from the All Blacks! Eduardo Bello is forced to turn in on the Argentina tighthead and the penalty goes New Zealand’s way.

New Zealand 18-25 Argentina, 73 minutes

10:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Still the intensity is incredible from Argentina, so certainly sniffing a famous victory. Ardie Savea collects on the bounce and is beaten back, Marcos Kremer delivering a drubbing.

Another brace of buffetings and New Zealand knock on!

New Zealand 18-25 Argentina, 72 minutes

10:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Emiliano Boffelli turns down a shot at goal from wide on the right and just inside his own half - a mild surprise after the night he has had with the boot. Argentina’s maul never quite coalesces after the lineout, and the All Blacks to some strong scavenging work to win a penalty.

Santiago Cordero is on in the Argentina back three.

Yellow card! New Zealand 18-25 Argentina, 70 minutes

10:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stephen Perofeta still waits for a debut as Quinn Tupaea steps in for Rieko Ioane in the All Blacks midfield.

Argentina maul superbly up the right, advancing at a rate of knots and eventually felled by Shannon Frizell...

Illegally! Shannon Frizell is sent to the sin bin! Piercing in at the side, attacking the knees to cause the collapse and shown yellow with Nika Amashukeli finally out of patience with New Zealand’s ill discipline.

New Zealand 18-25 Argentina, 69 minutes

10:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Matias Orlando might have got away with one there - I’m not sure he was fully back on his feet before contesting, but he came up with the turnover and Nika Amashukeli’s shrug and spread arms indicated he felt there was little wrong with the centre’s effort.

11 minutes to play. Argentina have never beaten the All Blacks in New Zealand. This has been an extraordinary defensive effort - just seven missed tackles compared to 130 made.

New Zealand 18-25 Argentina, 68 minutes

10:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The All Blacks explore left and right in search of an opneing but the Argentina defence looks organised, as it has done all night. George Bower enters the 22, but Will Jordan is short of options on the right, forced to ship the ball back to Finlay Christie. Shannon Frizell carries in close, but Rieko Ioane is turned over as he takes a switch from Richie Mo’unga! Another timely intervention at the ruck from Argentina, and a penalty to the visitors, too!

New Zealand 18-25 Argentina, 67 minutes

10:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Conceding that penalty is the final act of Sam Cane’s game - off he goes, replaced by Akira Ioane, Ardie Savea taking over the captaincy and on the openside.

PENALTY! New Zealand 18-25 ARGENTINA (Emiliano Boffelli penalty, 66 minutes)

10:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s there, curling safely between the posts. Another three to Emiliano Boffelli, another three to Argentina, and a lead of seven points entering the final 15 minutes.

New Zealand 18-22 Argentina, 65 minutes

10:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And that’ll please Argentina - a penalty against Sam Cane (the 12th against the All Blacks) for a pretty impetuous hit off the ball on Pablo Matera.

Here comes the tee...

New Zealand 18-22 Argentina, 64 minutes

10:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sam Whitelock has been an aerial menace all night, those battle-hardened hands again disrupting Julian Montoya’s throw, but sending it forward.

New Zealand 18-22 Argentina, 62 minutes

10:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another handling error from the All Blacks, who are beginning to look short of ideas. Argentina’s scrum begins to be forced backwards but Gonzalo Bertranou extracts the ball before too much damage is done, and his kick deflects into touch off a sliding Aaron Smith.

That’s Smith’s evening done - Finlay Christie replaces him at scrum-half.

New Zealand 18-22 Argentina, 60 minutes

10:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Slightly sloppy from Argentina - a soft penalty to give away, Marcos Kremer always in front of the kicker as he pursues a hack up field.

But the All Blacks can’t make their territory count! Codie Taylor’s lineout is off the mark, and Matera punts long and high into the Christchurch sky to flip the field.

New Zealand 18-22 Argentina, 58 minutes

10:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Can the All Blacks bust Argentina open? Not with that sort of run, Julian Montoya and Pablo Matera leading the way as ever and inviting the New Zealand carrier to take a seat.

Sam Cane is the next to try his luck - held up in midfield, and an unplayable ball will mean an Argentina scrum as we near the final quarter of the game.

PENALTY! New Zealand 18-22 ARGENTINA (Emiliano Boffelli penalty, 57 minutes)

10:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Six from six. This has been a masterclass from Boffelli, another faultless strike from right of centre and 45 metres on the angle.

New Zealand 18-19 Argentina, 56 minutes

10:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another turnover from Julian Montoya! Collar popped over his broad shoulders, two All Blacks try to shift the hooker as he barnacles the ball, but the carrier has to hold on. Penalty to Argentina - Emiliano Boffelli will look to preserve his perfect record.

New Zealand 18-19 Argentina, 54 minutes

10:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Will Jordan, ominously almost entirely absent from the action this evening, takes a hoist competently, offloading to Ardie Savea, who writhes out of a tackle. But a knock-on on the left ends that particular All Black adventure.

New Zealand 18-19 Argentina, 52 minutes

09:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But Argentina have cause to roar as the two All Blacks lifters slide in ahead of the jumper as he comes back down to deck with the ball at the lineout. Pablo Matera beats his chest in delight after his side get the penalty.

New Zealand 18-19 Argentina, 51 minutes

09:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s pretty impressive from the replacement All Blacks front row - Fletcher Newell gets an immediate march on against Thomas Gallo, finding good support from George Bower on the opposite side, and together they drive forward in almost perfect parallel. Full marks from the judges for synchronisation.

New Zealand 18-19 Argentina, 50 minutes

09:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The broadcaster shows some footage of Michael Cheika delivering an impassioned half-time speech to his Argentina side, who really have come out firing. That’s an error, though, Lucio Cinti late to rush forward as New Zealand’s kick sails over the hands of a lifted player and knocking on.

TRY! New Zealand 18-19 ARGENTINA (Juan Martin Gonzalez try, 48 minutes)

09:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An opportunistic score straight from the restart! Argentina hit back!

A beautifully weighted kick is jostled for by Emiliano Boffelli, forcing Scott Barrett to fumble. A game of pinball ends with Juan Martin Gonzalez a grateful recipient of the ricochet, and the speedy blindside flanker swats away Aaron Smith en route to the line.

Emiliano Boffelli’s conversion from the touchline is...perfect! The visitors go in front.

PENALTY! NEW ZEALAND 18-12 Argentina (Richie Mo’unga penalty, 47 minutes)

09:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Richie Mo’unga extends the All Blacks lead.

New Zealand 15-12 Argentina, 46 minutes

09:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Immediate impact from George Bower! The big loosehead combines niftily with Shannon Frizell after a blind inside ball from Ardie Savea and delivers some punishment to Santiago Carreras. Bower then pops up four phases later with another burly tote up the middle.

Argentina are harshly penalised for a tackle off the ball on Sam Cane, who appeared to have already had one clutch at it.

Missed penalty! New Zealand 15-12 Argentina, 45 minutes

09:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

I’m not sure that was the best option - Barrett strains every sinew to make sure he has the distance but over-kicks it, wildly slicing it.

Changes in the front row for New Zealand. All change, in fact - enter Codie Taylor, George Bower and Fletcher Newell, who all ply their Super Rugby trade in Christchurch, exit Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax.

New Zealand 15-12 Argentina, 43 minutes

09:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The All Blacks explore the possibilities on the counter-attack. That’s a lovely option from Jordie Barrett, stepping up to first receiver and chipping delicately, with a high hop just evading a chasing Will Jordan.

Ethan de Groot locks over the breakdown to earn a penalty, and Barrett will swap the lob wedge for a three iron and have a drive at goal from some way inside his own half.

New Zealand 15-12 Argentina, 42 minutes

09:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Variation in the attacking play from Argentina, Juan Cruz Mallia striding about with purpose from full-back and providing extra linking hands where required. The tempo is high, too, but it eventually goes wrong as Julian Montoya fails to snare a short ball from Gonzalo Bertranou.

Second half begins!

09:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And immediately New Zealand are penalised. Sam Whitelock fails to roll away and Argentina are into the New Zealand half.

Thoughts from the assistants

09:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“We need to be tidier,” says Argentina assistant coach Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe. “We conceded from our own lineout, we need to be tidy and sort a few details. I think our defence looks strong, with the ball in hand we have managed to be aggressive. We just need to keep working. We know it is going to be a long game, we need to keep going with intensity.”

New Zealand’s Scott McLeod also has a few work-ons for his team as he faces the Sky Sport microphone: “Discipline is a big thing for us.

“We are letting ourselves down there and bringing Argentina into the game. Defensively we are doing ok and getting some counter-attacking opportunitiess.”

The second half is imminent.

Australia beat South Africa

09:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

For those fortunate enough to have enjoyed a Saturday morning lie-in, catch up on the first Rugby Championship action of the morning, the Wallabies returning to Adelaide with a win as a more clinical Australia dealt South Africa a second defeat on the spin:

Australia beat South Africa as Fraser McReight scores two tries

H/T: New Zealand 15-12 Argentina

09:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Zealand lead but I think Argentina will be rather happier with that first half, playing the percentages when they can and keeping themselves in touch through the big right boot of Emiliano Boffelli. The All Blacks’ discipline has been poor with Nika Amashukeli and his assistants sharp on the offside lines, and but for Caleb Clarke’s swift strike after a lineout error then New Zealand would have gone in behind.

But that is the threat of the home side. Their structured play hasn’t quite clicked yet but Clarke’s try was beautifully taken, and their pack flexed their strength with that dominant drive for Samisoni Taukei’aho’s score. If the All Blacks can sort their discipline, you’d back them to create more chances their scrum and defensive lineout on top.

HALF TIME! NEW ZEALAND 15-12 ARGENTINA

09:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

PENALTY! New Zealand 15-12 ARGENTINA (Emiliano Boffelli penalty, 40 minutes)

09:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

From on the 22, 15 in...and another handsome strike from the right wing to close the half.

New Zealand 15-9 Argentina, 38 minutes

09:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two more penalties against the All Blacks, first straight from the restart, and then for Tyrel Lomax for slamming into Pablo Matera before the Argentina number eight had collected an ugly lineout from Julian Montoya. Another chat with Sam Cane for referee Nika Amashukeli; another shot at goal for Emiliano Boffelli.

PENALTY! New Zealand 15-9 ARGENTINA (Emiliano Boffelli penalty, 37 minutes)

09:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A great thud from the laces of Emiliano Boffelli’s enormous right boot, and that one is sailing between the uprights with a fair bit to spare from right on halfway.

New Zealand 15-6 Argentina, 35 minutes

09:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Julian Montoya is such a threat at the breakdown. He’s so sharp on any ruck carrion, waiting for Will Jordan to hit the deck and scavenging over the top to earn Argentina a chance at an immediate answer.

TRY! NEW ZEALAND 15-6 Argentina (Caleb Clarke try, 33 minutes)

09:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A lineout error and the All Blacks strike! Just like that, Caleb Clarke is in and Argentina pay for their lack of accuracy!

It was an overthrow from Julian Montoya, drifting off line, too, and hopping in a friendly manner for his opposite number Samisoni Taukei’aho. The hooker knows his job is to get it in the hands of the gas-men, swiftly transferring on.

The All Blacks play wide through the hands, Rieko Ioane arcing to the outside and drawing two and then producing a delectable short ball that Jordie Barrett gobbles up. Barrett races through and has his pick of either Ioane or Clarke to the outside, choosing the wider man. A despairing Argentina hand catches the flyer’s ankle, but he’s already at close to top speed, and able to hold his canter long enough and slide into the corner.

Over goes the conversion.

New Zealand 8-6 Argentina, 31 minutes

09:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Not the pair that Matias Orlando wanted to run in to, Ardie Savea and Samison Taukei’aho throwing the slighter Argentina centre flat out of the club.

An exchange of kicks will bring about an Argentina lineout on halfway.

PENALTY! NEW ZEALAND 8-6 Argentina (Richie Mo’unga penalty, 29 minutes)

09:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

After two misses from the tee, the first points of the night for Richie Mo’unga.

New Zealand 5-6 Argentina, 27 minutes

09:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A threatening period of attack from New Zealand, switching direction regularly and asking probing questions of the Argentina defence. Richie Mo’unga jinks between two would-be tacklers, with Caleb Clarke injecting his muscular athleticism off his wing. Then the approach is a more direct one, mixing up the carrier archetype with forwards and backwards off the shoulder of Aaron Smith. Ardie Savea pulsates free of another tackle, and a penalty comes for New Zealand.

Richie Mo’unga will go for goal.

New Zealand 5-6 Argentina, 25 minutes

09:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Zealand win a penalty at the scrum and attempt to attack from just outside the Argentina 22. A long throw from Samisoni Taukei’aho requires the full reach of a retreating Shannon Frizell at the tail, but the slight lineout misfire means New Zealand are short of intent and energy as they attack. Argentina force a holding on penalty.

New Zealand 5-6 Argentina, 23 minutes

09:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What a tackle from Matias Alemanno! Extraordinary pursuit from the long-limbed lock, seemingly beaten to the outside by a counter-attacking Richie Mo’unga, throwing out the lasso to snag the fly-half’s shorts and prevent him sprinting away.

Mo’unga can’t combine with Caleb Clarke, who over-runs the offload and leaves the tackled player isolated. Santiago Carreras nicks the ball, and looks to find space with a threaded dab on the angle. Emiliano Boffelli somehow hurls the bouncing ball back into play but can’t quite find his fly-half.

New Zealand 5-6 Argentina, 22 minutes

09:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Argentina are controlling the flow nicely, again kicking into space after New Zealand stall their attack. The All Blacks lineout works effectively, and the maul gets moving again, though without the sort of purpose or drive as for the score earlier.

That’s another excellent kick from Argentina, Jordie Barrett having to hurry to prevent a 50:22.

New Zealand 5-6 Argentina, 20 minutes

09:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sam Whitelock and Matias Alemanno collide in the air and each claim the ball, like two giraffes reaching for the same acacia branch. Their forward colleagues pile on top of them, with referee Nika Amashukeli eventually deciding it will be an Argentina scrum - for somewhat unclear reasons.

New Zealand 5-6 Argentina, 19 minutes

09:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The All Blacks are just struggling to settle. Another penalty against them, this time for a high tackle as Ethan de Groot catches a dipping Pablo Matera slightly high.

PENALTY! New Zealand 5-6 ARGENTINA (Emiliano Boffelli penalty, 18 minutes)

09:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Emiliano Boffelli puts Argentina back in front.

New Zealand 5-3 Argentina, 17 minutes

09:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Zealand are up quickly to shut down Argentina’s backs having got their maul defence spot on - too quickly, in fact. That’s a third offside penalty inside the first 17 minutes, and referee Nika Amashukeli calls Sam Cane in for a word. The New Zealand captain is duly warned.

Argentina’s captain, meanwhile, has a little too much claret on his shirt - Julian Montoya appears to have a bit of a gash to the side of his head and will go off for some treatment after indicating his desire to kick at goal.

New Zealand 5-3 Argentina, 15 minutes

09:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This time New Zealand play away from the maul, Aaron Smith bringing Caleb Clarke into the game on a switch, the dynamic wing well held by the Argentina defensive line. Rieko Ioane is the next chosen carrier, trying to use his fancy feet to shift the point of contract but failing to take secure enough hold of the ball.

Argentina clear and pour forward in good number to win a penalty. Emiliano Boffelli’s right boot goes unused - Santiago Carreras opts instead to kick deep into the New Zealand 22.

New Zealand 5-3 Argentina, 14 minutes

09:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Argentina are somewhat unfortunate to be called for a knock-on from the restart, with the ball appearing to have gone backwards from the hand.

Ethan de Groot then forces Joel Sclavi to infringe at the set-piece.

TRY! NEW ZEALAND 5-3 Argentina (Samison Taukei’aho try, 12 minutes)

08:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An unstoppable drive and Samison Taukei’aho rides the chariot to the line!

Argentina elect not to contest, assembling themselves for a counter-punch as it comes to floor. But the All Blacks are patient, finding a fissure through which their sled dogs can pull with Taukei’aho in total control at the rear. The hooker eschews any thought of breaking away even as spaces open, Argentina losing bodies every metre as the All Black mass hurries to the line.

New Zealand 0-3 Argentina, 9 minutes

08:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Richie Mo’unga knows every inch of this Christchurch surface, and covers space shrewdly as Argentina try to find touch. Samisoni Taukei’aho then carries in a forthright manner, and a no arms tackle from Julian Montoya on Shannon Frizell gives New Zealand a penalty.

Mo’unga finds the corner.

PENALTY! New Zealand 0-3 ARGENTINA (Emiliano Boffelli penalty, 8 minutes)

08:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Boffelli has no concerns about the distance from 45 metres out - it’s all about the direction...

It’s true! Argentina on the board first.

New Zealand 0-0 Argentina, 6 minutes

08:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Zealand’s two opensides make back-to-back tackles, Ardie Savea requiring three to shift him as he tries to limpet over the ball, and Sam Cane driving through Marcos Kremer.

Cane had been offside, though. Penalty to Argentina, and the big-booted Emiliano Boffelli will try to succeed where Richie Mo’unga failed from the tee.

New Zealand 0-0 Argentina, 5 minutes

08:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A nice kick from Juan Cruz Mallia, stepping up into the line and poking in between the bodies in the All Blacks’ backfield, earning Argentina some territorial gain after a solid defensive set.

Shannon Frizell drops to a knee and receives some treatment.

Missed penalty! New Zealand 0-0 Argentina, 3 minutes

08:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Clean strike, but away to the left. Richie Mo’unga’s radar isn’t qiute right, and Argentina tonk back upfield.

New Zealand 0-0 Argentina, 1 minute

08:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Early attacking possession for the All Blacks, a New Zealand hand disrupting a pass from Carreras and tapping it back their way. Down over the ten-metre line they advance, but Marcos Kremer decisively halts Ethan De Groot’s angled run just as momentum starts to build.

A penalty to New Zealand for a ruck infringement.

KICK OFF!

08:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Santiago Carreras gets proceedings underway.

Officials

08:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nika Amashukeli of Georgia has refereeing duties tonight, assisted by Nic Berry and Damon Murphy, two Australians who will be familiar with this turf from Super Rugby. Ireland’s Brian MacNeice is in the TMO truck.

Argentina to kick off.

Haka

08:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Smith provides a hidden call from the heart of the New Zealand triangle as the All Blacks lay the challenge down, Smith settling into positio between bigger bodies as Argentina face up with steeled features.

God Defend New Zealand

08:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ardie Savea tilts his head back, eyes close, taking in the noise of the crowd as they accompany the anthem singer in “God Defend New Zealand”, in Maori first, as ever.

Right, it’s go time - Aaron Smith assembles the rest of the New Zealand squad and prepares to lead the Haka.

Argentine National Anthem

08:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Michael Cheika watches on as his players sing the “Himno Nacional Argentino”, a more subdued version still building to that familiar, powerful crescendo.

Out come the players

08:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s a cool night in Christchurch, hosting the All Blacks for the first time in six years. For the Crusaders players, this is familiar territory of course, and Scott Robertson’s side rarely yield their homestead.

New Zealand vs Argentina

08:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A couple of bits of squad news to be aware of: New Zealand are unchanged from that win over South Africa, but have talented Blues fly-half-cum-full-back Stephen Perofeta awaiting a debut from the bench.

Argentina, meanwhile, bring Matias Orlando back into their starting side, joining new Newcastle Falcons teammate Matias Moroni in the centres. Sevens star Lucio Cinti starts on the wing, while the well-built Joel Sclavi starts at tighthead after helping La Rochelle to European Champions Cup glory last season.

On to New Zealand vs Argentina...

08:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s a busy morning - we’ve barely time to draw breath before the second game of the day, international rugby returnin to Christchurch as New Zealand host Argentina. The All Blacks got back on track with a win in South Africa, but they will be wary of a dangerous visiting side who have already beaten them during this World Cup cycle.

The players are strapping on the final bits of tape in the changing rooms.

FULL TIME! AUSTRALIA 25-17 SOUTH AFRICA

08:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An excellent win for Australia, a much-improved defensive showing and a significantly more clinical performance in attack. They had to really cling on at times in the first half as South Africa flexed their muscular might, and on another day might have been more harshly punished for their ill discipline, but two tries from the outstanding Fraser McReight and another for the impressive Marika Koroibete power them to victory.

FULL TIME! AUSTRALIA 25-17 SOUTH AFRICA

08:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

TRY! Australia 25-17 SOUTH AFRICA (Kwagga Smith try, 80 minutes)

08:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And South Africa narrow the margin of defeat on the hooter - a second for Kwagga Smith, furrowing a path between the legs of the Australian players after another quick tap.

Jaden Hendrikse drop-kicks the conversion, but there’s not enough time for a restart.

Yellow card! Rob Valetini is sent to the sin bin! Australia 25-10 South Africa, 79 minutes

08:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Not for the first time today, it was one of the big lumbering locks slicing Australia open, Eben Etzebeth cutting a gorgeous line and deep into enemy territory.

Australia infringe at the ruck, and then again in the next passage - Rob Valetini won’t finish the game.

Australia 25-10 South Africa, 78 minutes

08:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia are awarded a penalty inside the South Africa half, and go in search of a try that would regain them the bonus point lost due to that Smith score. Hunter Paisami is stood up in a firm double tackle, a relatively rare occurrence, but one that allows South Africa to win a penalty.

Can the Springboks finish with a flourish?

Australia 25-10 South Africa, 76 minutes

08:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Oddly, we spend a couple of minutes checking a potential deliberate knock on from Noah Lolesio far in advance of the scoring of the try. Lolesio’s slap back had been ruled not to have gone forward on the field, and there’s no evidence otherwise on any of the replays. On we go!

TRY! Australia 25-10 SOUTH AFRICA (Kwagga Smith try, 75 minutes)

08:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

At last South Africa score! Australia never quite settled things down, and there are spaces apparent as South Africa win back the ball inside the Australian half.

The two replacement props combine, Steven Kitshoff pivoting delightfully to send Vincent Koch stomping into space, Koch popping for Kwagga Smith, who grounds underneath the posts.

Australia 25-3 South Africa, 74 minutes

08:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lukhanyo Am shakes free of two tacklers as he angles back against the grain, stepping out of another as he enters the 22. But Australia scramble bodies back and just about survive.

Australia 25-3 South Africa, 73 minutes

08:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A rare glimpse of Makazole Mapimpi in space as he rounds a stumbling Tom Wright on the left wing, but his chip ahead is too far infield.

Australia are soon penalised at a ruck, though, and Jaden Hendrikse wastes little time restarting play.

Australia 25-3 South Africa, 71 minutes

08:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Yet more approving applause for a departing Australian as the fit-again Andrew Kellaway replaces Marika Koroibete.

Australia 25-3 South Africa, 70 minutes

08:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another bounce of the ball nearly favours Australia! Reece Hodge claims a high hoist out of the sun very well, and Tate McDermott directs a looping box kick into space behind Makazole Mapimpi.

It hops up over Mapimpi’s head, and there are two Australians in close attention hoping to profit. Lukhanyo Am, who has had his quietest game for a long while, somehow emerges with the ball in his clutches.

Australia 25-3 South Africa, 68 minutes

08:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But the lineout fails to function. Knocked on, South Africa scrum.

Australia 25-3 South Africa, 67 minutes

08:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa are twice pinged, the second eminently kickable, but such is the size Australia’s lead that they can go for a more telling blow. Reece Hodge finds the corner...

Australia 25-3 South Africa, 66 minutes

08:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

James Slipper and Fraser McReight, who have both produced excellent performances, take leave, McReight saluting the crowd as he walks off. Scott Sio is on at looesehead with Pete Samu into the back row. Tate McDemott is on, too, with Nic White off to polish his Oscar.

PENALTY! AUSTRALIA 25-3 South Africa (Noah Lolesio penalty, 64 minutes)

08:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Over it goes, swelling Australia’s lead and confidence.

Australia 22-3 South Africa, 62 minutes

08:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

More theatrics from Nic White, again buying a penalty from the referee as Elton Jantjies fails to vacate the breakdown. Noah Lolesio calls for the tee, looking to push Australia more than three converted tries ahead.

Australia 22-3 South Africa, 60 minutes

08:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa reach again into their replacement well in a bid to get back in the game. Off go both half-backs - neither Faf de Klerk nor Handre Pollard has had an afternoon to remember. Jaden Hendrikse and Elton Jantjies come into the fray, as does Franco Mostert, replacing Pieter-Steph du Toit.

But that is messy from another replacement. A relatively tame kick in behind from Australia is fumbled by Frans Steyn. Australia scrum inside the opposition’s red area.

TRY! AUSTRALIA 22-3 South Africa (Fraser McReight try, 57 minutes)

08:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A special score and Australia extend their lead! This is a brilliant play!

Nic White slows things down, setting a pair of forwards to his left. He pops up for James Slipper, who pauses and appears set to look back to his scrum-half, but instead fires a flat ball for an onrushing Noah Lolesio, hiding deep behind the ruck and knifing into the space beside it.

Fraser McReight goes with his fly-half, who squares up the last defender and releases an ambitious, but perfectly executed, flick out the back, McReight reaching to clutch it with only open space ahead of him. The flanker has his second, Australia their third, and the flow of Lolesio’s boot through the back of the ball widens the lead to 19 points.

Australia 15-3 South Africa, 56 minutes

08:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Folau Fainga’a had been chuntering away at referee Paul Williams since being penalised five minutes ago, so perhaps sensibly Australia bring on Dave Porecki in his place.

Australia 15-3 South Africa, 55 minutes

07:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The burly Steyn makes a dent as he returns a kick, but South Africa struggle to find significant thrust in the movement thereafter. Hunter Paisami shoots out in trademark style to cut down Handre Pollard, and Australia kick ahead to force a goalline drop out.

Australia 15-3 South Africa, 53 minutes

07:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa make another change, with Frans Steyn on in the backline as the forwards again explore the corner with hopes of a profitable rumble.

Australia detonate the maul, with questionable legality, but the officials are content it has gone down under South African mass - turnover ball, Australia scrum feed.

Australia 15-3 South Africa, 52 minutes

07:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Faf de Klerk is back amongst things and picks his forward runners nicely as South Africa crash over the gainline twice, but Nic White reads the pull-back pass from Lood de Jager and catches the Springboks before they can work it wide.

Paul Williams’ whistle brings things to a halt - Folau Fainga’a failed to wrap as he dived at the knees of a carrier and he’s penalised.

Australia 15-3 South Africa, 50 minutes

07:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another change for South Africa, with Kwagga Smith’s more explosive stylings required at number eight in the place of Duane Vermeulen.

Australia look to their bench for the first time: Darcy Swain in, Rory Arnold out. The Wallabies have six extra forwards at their disposal of course; atypically the Springboks are out-numbered in that regard today.

TRY! AUSTRALIA 15-3 South Africa (Marika Koroibete try, 47 minutes)

07:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Marika Koroibete breaks Handre Pollard’s ankles and Australia have their second! Clinical stuff from the Wallabies, making the opportunity count.

Len Ikitau ensures that the momentum is kept high as Australia play back infield, the centre straightening up with a sharp step. Noah Lolesio fires the ball into the hands of strike weapon Koroibete, who fixes Pollard with his hips, feints inside and then darts out, leaving a grasping Pollard on his knees as he beats the South African fly-half with a mean step to score.

Australia 10-3 South Africa, 46 minutes

07:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sharp miss pass from Nic White and that is brilliant from Tom Wright! The right wing puts his foot down, out-gassing Makazole Mapimpi, and keeps the movement alive with a back-door offload to Reece Hodge...

Australia 10-3 South Africa, 45 minutes

07:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Solid enough from both sides. Warrick Gelant covers scrum-half with Faf de Klerk still on the naughty step for the next five minutes, which means there should be backfield space - Noah Lolesio kicks for it, but can’t get the angle right, allowing Damian Willemse to stide back over his line and ground for a goalline drop out.

Australia 10-3 South Africa, 44 minutes

07:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa again disrupt Australia’s lineout, and pick up the scraps at the back to earn them the ball. A high kick is fumbled from two sets of hands - first South African, then Australian - and South Africa’s new front row will have their first crack at the Australian scrum.

Australia 10-3 South Africa, 42 minutes

07:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A cagey start to the second half, with Australia playing the percentages with the boot. They’ve got a bit of a gusting wind behind them, which propels Noah Lolesio’s kick down towards the goalposts, with Handre Pollard trotting back to pick up and climb into a clearance.

Second half begins!

07:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Reece Hodge claims the second half restart and we are back underway.

South Africa have brought on both Malcolm Marx and Steven Kitshoff - Joseph Dweba and Ox Nche have not re-emerged.

H/T: Australia 10-3 South Africa

07:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia were probably a little fortunate to only lose Tom Wright in that half. They were on a team warning at the time that Wright was sin binned, but the cynical nature in which he tackled Duane Vermeulen after the number eight’s quick tap merited a card regardless, and there is an argument that the Wallabies’ continued infringements the next time South Africa were in their territory should have prompted another card rather than a second warning.

The question of whether arms were used in Marika Koroibete’s cover tackle on Makazole Mapimpi also appears to have provoked some debate. I thought there was maybe just enough of a wrap...

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