Argentina's Juan Martin Hernandez and New Zealand's Conrad Smith vie for the ball
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Reaction: Hansen full of admiration for Pumas

News: McCaw unfazed by presence of Henry

Matches: New Zealand 21 - 5 Argentina

Tournaments/Tours: Rugby Championship

Teams: Argentina | New Zealand

Story of the Game

• Man of the Match: Pumas centre Marcelo Bosch was a key figure in his side's superb defensive display that shackled their hosts for much of the game with a first half tackle on a charging Victor Vito summing up the outstanding commitment shown by his whole side.
• Key Moment: The game was still in the balance when All Blacks centres Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu combined superbly to conjure a score for winger Julian Savea that broke the resolve of the brave Pumas.
• Hero of the Game: Veteran prop Rodrigo Roncero was clearly up for this contest and his age-defying endeavour brought him a try and a few more war wounds. Let's hope he has the stamina to remains at the heart of the Pumas' challenge in the weeks to come.
• Villain of the Game: It may be a little harsh to point the finger at Pumas flanker Julio Farias but his yellow card was the last thing his side needed with the All Blacks turning the screw in the final quarter. And he could have little argument about his sin-binning for knocking down what could have been a try-scoring pass. But maybe we can give it to the floodlights?
• Talking Point: The Pumas continue to defy their doubters by more than holding their own on their debut in an annual top-class competition. They grabbed a draw against South Africa and now Santiago Phelan's side, boosted by some inside knowledge from former All Blacks boss Graham Henry, have asked many questions of New Zealand. Australia will have to be at their best if they are to deny Argentina their first win.
• Play of the Game: The second-half touch-finder from Argentina fly-half Juan Martin Hernandez that was struck with the outside of his boot from inside his own 22 and curled delightfully before crossing the whitewash deep inside the All Blacks' half. Sublime.

New Zealand made it three wins from three in this year's Rugby Championship with a hard-fought 21-5 victory over Argentina at a wet and windy Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

Second half tries from wingers Cory Jane and Julian Savea propelled the All Blacks to victory but they were forced to work hard throughout by a Pumas side that continues to impress on its debut in the competition.

Fresh from an historic draw against South Africa, the visitors threatened to shake up the world order once again with an early try from prop Rodrigo Roncero and they only trailed 6-5 at the break with their outstanding industry in defence frustrating the mis-firing Kiwis.

But the Pumas' challenge waned under near-constant pressure from their rivals after the break and their dreams of a first-ever win over the All Blacks were dashed by the ruthless hosts who eventually claimed a deserved victory that cements their place at the top of the standings.

All Blacks fly-half Aaron Cruden missed an early penalty shot from wide on the left as wind and heavy rain swept the stadium, but he landed a simpler second effort 10 minutes in to put the hosts 3-0 ahead.

But Argentina responded with a try after New Zealand's Ma'a Nonu was tackled and lost the ball. A huge tackle by Savea prevented rival wing Gonzalo Camacho from crossing but as the Argentinian pack followed up, Roncero showed great power to break through the home defence for his sixth international try. Martin Rodriguez's conversion attempt hit the post and bounced wide.

But back came the All Blacks with Cruden slotting his second penalty to nudge New Zealand back in front in the 25th minute, after a ruck infringement by Roncero.

The All Blacks were denied a chance to open up a significant lead on the stroke of half-time when, with Victor Vito in full flow down the left wing, Marcelo Bosch produced a crucial try-saving tackle and took the flanker into touch.

That took place in the corner nearest the players' tunnel, enabling them to dash for shelter as soon as the whistle blew - and they were granted an extended stay under cover as the wild conditions led to a power cut, delaying the start of the second half after the floodlights went out.

After a hold-up of just over five minutes, the game resumed but there was no change to the scrappy nature of play and the opening 10 minutes of the second period were scoreless before Cruden booted the home side 9-5 ahead.

But they were immediately on the back foot after Rodriguez launched a deep kick-off which bounced into touch near the corner after Kiwi scrum-half Aaron Smith slipped. The Pumas won a penalty midway inside the New Zealand half, but Rodriguez missed an excellent chance to cut the deficit back to one.

New Zealand were next to threaten when Julio Cabello Farias was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on, but Cruden's penalty hit both posts. Argentina lock Manuel Carizza grabbed the rebound and hoofed it for touch, but a freakish bounce inches inside the touchline led to a chaotic passage of play which ultimately came to nothing.

A magnificent touch-finder by Hernandez, with the outside of the foot, was out of keeping with a game in which the weather was understandably restricting the quality on show.

But the All Blacks stepped up a gear as the game neared its end and finally gave themselves a comfortable position with 13 minutes to go. Conrad Smith drew three defenders before offloading to Nonu, who unselfishly gave the glory to Savea in the corner. Cruden's kick was a long way wide.

And Jane soon dived over for a second try after racing onto a long miss pass from Cruden which was ruled not to be forward. Cruden this time landed an excellent conversion from wide on the right to make it 21-5.