Historic: Los Pumas Stun All Blacks in First-Ever Home Victory

Argentina made history by defeating the All Blacks 29-23 at home, breaking a 38-year drought on their own soil. Los Pumas’ remarkable victory in Buenos Aires ended a streak of 15 straight home losses against New Zealand that stretched back to 1985.

The Argentinian rugby players showed incredible spirit throughout the Rugby Championship Test against their powerful New Zealand opponents. The All Blacks struggled with discipline issues as they received three yellow cards, with two coming in quick succession just before halftime. The visitors still managed to salvage something from the defeat when Damian McKenzie’s late penalty goal earned them a bonus point, keeping them narrowly ahead in the Championship standings.

This victory was truly special for Los Pumas. The teams had met 16 times previously on Argentinian soil, with New Zealand dominating by winning 14 matches while drawing once back in 1985. Now Argentina has finally etched their name in rugby history with this memorable win.

Argentina stuns All Blacks with historic 29-23 win

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“I am very powerful but I do not yet control the weather. It is a bit above my pay grade.” — Michael Cheika, Head Coach, Argentina National Rugby Team (Los Pumas)

The Pumas earned their historic victory at Estadio José Amalfitani by outplaying the world’s top-ranked team in every aspect. Argentina, ranked seventh globally, dominated the game with 60% possession and 58% territory. Their impressive 538 meters gained stood in stark contrast to New Zealand’s modest 186.

Discipline issues plagued New Zealand throughout the match. The team received three yellow cards that left them shorthanded for much of the game. Will Jordan was penalized for blocking, Tupou Vaa’i got carded for a knockdown, and Sevu Reece’s violation forced the All Blacks to defend with just 13 players at one point.

The All Blacks seemed to take control early as Billy Proctor and Fletcher Newell scored tries to build a 13-6 lead. The Pumas responded with spirit when Juan Martin González touched down before halftime to level the score at 13-13.

Santiago Carreras proved to be the difference maker after the break by converting three vital penalties. The knockout blow came from scrum-half Gonzalo García, who scored a try after Pablo Matera’s powerful charge to extend their lead to 26-13.

Samisoni Taukei’aho’s try raised hopes of an All Blacks comeback, but Argentina’s defense remained solid. The result created a four-way tie in the Rugby Championship, with each team holding one win. New Zealand stayed on top of the standings thanks to McKenzie’s late penalty that secured a bonus point.

Yellow cards and penalties shift momentum dramatically

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Disciplinary problems changed the match’s momentum when the All Blacks received three yellow cards during the game. The game took a dramatic turn near the 30-minute mark as the referee sent fullback Will Jordan to the sin bin for blocking Mateo Carreras during a kick chase.

The situation worsened for New Zealand when Tupou Vaa’i earned another yellow card for knocking down the ball in the same play sequence. This left the All Blacks with just 13 players on the field. Argentina seized their chance and Juan Martin Gonzalez scored from a scrum close to the All Blacks’ line.

The Pumas almost scored again before halftime, but Bautista Delguy dropped the ball right at the line. Both teams went to the break tied at 13-13.

The All Blacks’ discipline crumbled after halftime. They gave Santiago Carreras several penalty chances that moved the momentum toward Argentina. Carreras made the most of these opportunities by converting penalties in the 51st and 56th minutes, including a spectacular 50-meter kick.

New Zealand’s 13 penalties out of the match’s total 23 ended up costing them the game. Their troubles peaked when Sevu Reece got their third yellow card in the 73rd minute for disrupting a pass. This allowed Carreras to increase Argentina’s lead and secure their historic win.

Key players and moments define the upset

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“The way that they have been behind us from the beginning. There’s so much that’s going wrong with our country; we are basically the last line of defense. There are so many people who come from where I come from who are in hopeless (situations). There’s so much division in the country, but we show, as people with different backgrounds, that it is possible to work together in South Africa, not just on the rugby field but in life in general.” — Siya Kolisi, Captain, South Africa National Rugby Team (Springboks)

Pablo Matera led Argentina’s historic victory with a remarkable performance. The flanker dominated the field with 18 carries, 61 post-contact meters, two turnovers, and four dominant tackles. His powerful charge from the scrum’s base created the game-changing moment as halfback Gonzalo García scored in the 59th minute, pushing Argentina’s lead to 26-13.

Santiago Chocobares and captain Julián Montoya’s outstanding ball handling kept the All Blacks defense constantly on edge. The Pumas showed their determination with 229 tackle attempts throughout the match.

Beauden Barrett’s defensive skills shined with two exceptional tackles that stopped Bautista Delguy from scoring. His struggles with goal-kicking got pricey for the visitors.

The loss dampened Codie Taylor’s 100th Test cap celebration. Taylor became the 14th All Black and second hooker after Keven Mealamu to join the centurion club. Newcomer Simon Parker showed his potential with the team’s only line break and 20 tackles.

“They showed more passion and intensity,” All Blacks captain Scott Barrett said about the home side’s performance. “They got over the gain line and held the ball, while we gave away penalties which just fed their game. They’re a quality team and we were outclassed.”

Los Pumas’ victory against the All Blacks marks a defining moment in Argentine rugby history. The 29-23 triumph ended a 38-year wait on home soil and broke a chain of 15 straight home losses to New Zealand since 1985. Without doubt, this win means more than just championship points—it represents decades of Argentine rugby’s evolution.

Argentina earned their historic victory decisively. The numbers paint a clear picture: Los Pumas dominated with 60% possession, 58% territory, and gained 538 meters while New Zealand managed just 186. Los Pumas outplayed the world’s top-ranked team in nearly every aspect, despite being underdogs.

New Zealand’s poor discipline cost them dearly. Three yellow cards to Will Jordan, Tupou Vaa’i, and Sevu Reece left them short-handed at key moments. The All Blacks gave away 13 penalties, which let Santiago Carreras build Argentina’s lead steadily.

Several Argentine players delivered exceptional performances in this landmark win. Pablo Matera led the charge with outstanding numbers—18 carries, 61 post-contact meters, and four dominant tackles. Captain Julián Montoya showed inspiring leadership, while Santiago Chocobares kept constant pressure on New Zealand’s defense.

This result has altered the Rugby Championship map. All four nations now have one win each, though New Zealand barely holds their lead after Damian McKenzie’s late penalty secured a bonus point. Notwithstanding that, Argentina’s historic triumph suggests a transformation in international rugby’s power balance.

The Estadio José Amalfitani crowd saw Argentine rugby history unfold before them. This victory will stand as the moment Los Pumas finally overcame their New Zealand rivals at home, cementing their place among rugby’s elite nations.