Argentina make history with first home win over All Blacks in Rugby Championship

Argentina beat the All Blacks 29-23 on Saturday to secure their first-ever home victory over New Zealand in Rugby Championship history.

The Pumas were outscored three tries to two but held firm, with Santiago Carreras nailing three second-half penalties in a nerveless performance.

After a heavy 41-24 defeat in Cordoba, Argentina bounced back in the best way possible to get back into the winning column.

Captain Julián Montoya credited the home crowd’s passion and energy for inspiring one of Argentina’s greatest rugby nights.

The top-ranked All Blacks finished with three yellow cards, including two before halftime, which left them scrambling with only 13 players.

Scott Barrett’s side briefly led 13-6 after tries from Billy Proctor and Fletcher Newell but quickly lost composure under Argentine pressure.

Momentum flipped when Will Jordan was sin-binned for obstruction, allowing Juan Martín González to score and level the match.

A second yellow card for Tupou Vaa’i before halftime left New Zealand struggling for territory, possession, and discipline.

Carreras stepped up in the second half, landing two crucial penalties to edge Argentina ahead with calm precision.

Then Pablo Matera bulldozed through defenders to set up Gonzalo Garcia’s try, sending the Estadio José Amalfitani crowd into wild celebrations.

Samisoni Taukei’aho gave New Zealand late hope with a try, but Sevu Reece’s yellow card ended any chance of a comeback.

A late Damian McKenzie penalty salvaged a bonus point, but Argentina sealed a 29-23 triumph.

Montoya praised his squad’s resilience, saying: “We believed for years we could do this — today, we stayed in the fight.”

Scott Barrett admitted New Zealand was outmuscled and must regroup before facing the Springboks on 6 September in Auckland.

All four Rugby Championship teams now hold one win and one loss after South Africa beat Australia 30-22 in Cape Town.

The All Blacks remain on top thanks to their bonus point, but Argentina’s statement victory signals a wide-open battle heading into round three.