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New Zealand claimed the 2018 Rugby Championship crown by defeating Argentina on Saturday evening. The 35-17 victory sees the All Blacks flying across the Atlantic Ocean to take-on South Africa already as this year’s champions.
The All Blacks’ win was based on their performance in the opening quarter. While not necessarily being the best team throughout the duration of this period New Zealand claimed three tries. They would score two more in the second half, the same number as Argentina.
For Los Pumas the performance was a notable drop from that of their other matches in the competition. Their set-piece struggled with an error-ridden line-out and a replacement scrum that was far from being adequate for this level.
Also complicating matters was Argentina’s ball-handling. The lack of ball security cost the South Americans with regularity.
These and other details will be scrutinized as Mario Ledesma and the team travel to Salta on Monday. Los Pumas will face Australia in the final round and may require changes to the roster. Winger Bautista Delguy was injured against New Zealand while Ramiro Moyano is yet to be declared fit.
For a complete match report click here.
