New Zealand have opened their Rugby Championship campaign with a 41-24 victory over Argentina in Cordoba.
After building a healthy 31-10 lead at the break, the All Blacks had to fend off a spirited reply from the Pumas in the second half. The home team fought back to within a converted try at 31-24, through tries to Tomas Albornoz and Joaquin Oviedo.
The All Blacks were then sparked into action, kicking to the corners from penalties to allow replacement hooker Samison Taukei'aho to cross for two tries off the back of the maul.
The All Blacks set up the victory in the first half through tries to Cortez Ratima and Ardie Savea framed by a double to Sevu Reece.
The victory returns the All Blacks to No.1 in the World Rugby Rankings -- a position they haven't held since November 2021.
