A LAST-MINUTE BEN Smith try gave New Zealand a bonus-point 33-15 Rugby Championship victory over Argentina in La Plata.
The result moves the All Blacks five points clear of South Africa at the top of the table ahead of a showdown at Ellis Park in Johannesburg next weekend.
Right-wing Smith struck for the second time in the match with just 27 seconds left, using brain and brawn to dive over and trigger celebrations.
New Zealand triumphed 54-15 at Estadio Ciudad de La Plata last season, but it was a much closer contest this time with handling errors costing Argentina dearly at times.
“It was tough out there and all credit to Argentina for pushing us so hard,” said New Zealand skipper and No. 8 Kieran Read.
We were great at times in the second half, giving us a lot of positives to build on before facing the Springboks next wekend.”
Argentina are still without a Championship victory since making their debut last year, but this performance offers hope that they can overcome fellow strugglers Australia next wekend.
“Are we ready to take on the Australians? Well, not right now,” was the humorous response of Pumas captain and No. 8 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe to a question.
“We must rest first, then prepare to throw everything into our final game of the season against the Wallabies in search of a victory.
“New Zealand are a great team. They apply pressure all the time and when you make a mistake, they are ruthless finishers.”
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