Vaea Fifita's debut try sees New Zealand rally after Argentina scare to remain unbeaten in Rugby Championship
New Zealand 39 Argentina 22: Rookie flanker's sensational break the catalyst for 14-man All Blacks to come from behind and pick up bonus-point win
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Your support makes all the difference.A sensational try by rookie flanker Vaea Fifita was the catalyst for the All Blacks to rally past Argentina for a 39-22 bonus-point victory in the Rugby Championship clash at Taranaki Regional Stadium on Saturday.
The lanky Fifita, making his first start in his second test, was put into space from 35-metres out and out-sprinted the Argentina backline to get the 14-man All Blacks back into the game with 30 minutes remaining.
The try levelled the scores at 22-22 and halted the momentum of the Pumas, who until that point had looked like they could cause a major upset and secure their first victory over New Zealand in 25 attempts.
Argentina had gone into the sheds at half-time with a 16-15 lead, thanks to fly-half Nicolas Sanchez who kicked eight points and added a try to boot.
The All Blacks, who had Beauden Barrett in the sinbin for a professional foul when Fifita crossed in the second-half, added two more tries through Damian McKenzie and Barrett to keep them top of the standings heading into next week's clash with South Africa.
The Springboks travel to Perth on Saturday morning where they face an Australia side looking to bounce back after consecutive defeats against the All Blacks.
Match summary:
New Zealand 39 Argentina 22 (HT: 15-16)
New Zealand - Tries: Nehe Milner-Skudder (8), Anton Lienert-Brown (18), Israel Dagg (37), Vaea Fifita (51), Damian McKenzie (63), Beauden Barrett (78) Conversions: Lima Sopoaga (53, 65, 80) Penalties: Lima Sopoaga (70)
Argentina - Tries: Nicolas Sanchez (40) Conversions: Nicolas Sanchez (40) Penalties: Nicolas Sanchez (14, 50), Emiliano Boffelli (25, 43) Drop goals: Nicolas Sanchez (28)
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