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Julian Savea now has 27 tries in 27 Tests for the All Blacks

The wing scored his latest five-pointer last night against Argentina.

NZAUTV Rugby Union / YouTube

NEW ZEALAND WRAPPED up their third consecutive Rugby Championship title with a 34-13 win over Argentina in La Plata last night, as Julian Savea scored his 27th try in 27 Test matches.

The 24-year-old wing did so in typical fashion, powering his way over wide on the left, although the Pumas’ tackling was suspect on this occasion. There was some controversy over the pass of Aaron Smith, which looked to travel forward, but Savea’s strength is always impressive.

Not content with dotting down himself, Savea also provided a direct assist for TJ Perenara’s try, offloading one-handed out of contact.

Savea Offload

The last year or so has seen Savea rounding his skills notably. His work rate has increased, his positioning has improved, and his handling and kicking skills are far better than when he first broke through.

His finishing prowess has never been in any doubt, with a hat-trick against Ireland on his senior international debut in 2012 signalling how he meant to continue.

Interestingly, Savea’s record against South Africa and Australia is not as prolific as against lower-ranked nations, but he gets the chance to get off the mark against South Africa next weekend.

Daisuke Ohata is the leading Test try-scorer of all time, having touched down 69 times for Japan, while David Campese scored 64 for Australia and Shane Williams notched 60 for Wales.

Is Savea the best winger in world rugby at present? Who would you rank alongside him? Will he break the all-time record or is it too early to say?

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Author
Murray Kinsella
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