2015 Rugby World Cup: New Zealand come from behind to beat Argentina in World Cup opener

Action from the match between All Blacks and Argentina

It was a tough night for defending champions New Zealand as they had to dig deep to excavate themselves from a hole and register a come-from-behind victory over Argentina in their Pool C match at Wembley.

Argentina, by virtue of playing in the Rugby Championship with Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are a vastly improved team these days and even claimed their first ever win over the Boks earlier this summer. Possessing a strong pack, the Argentines had the necessary wherewithal to trouble the All Blacks and they did.

The Pumas played a very solid first half to go ahead 13-12 into the break. Guido Petti scored the try to break through while Nicolas Sanchez took advantage of the penalty kicks that came his way to put the Argentines ahead.

It didn’t help that the All Blacks themselves endured a disjointed, error-ridden and ill-disciplined first half, which combined with Argentina’s commitment and effort, caused the defending champions more trouble. Captain Richie McCaw and vice-captain Conrad Smith, were both yellow carded and sent to the sin bin thus rendering ineffective for periods.

Fly half Daniel Carter helped them stay in the game with his kicking as he scored four penalties.

Argentina though started brightly in the second half too as Sanchez converted from another penalty kick to extend their by three more points. At the end of the hour, hopes were up amongst the Argentine fans that they were going to secure a first –ever victory over the current world champions.

After 60 minutes though, Argentina seemed to fatigue and the All Blacks came together to mount the effort. More cohesion and continuity in their plays was evident as they ran in two tries from Aaron Smith and Sam Cane.

Scrum half Smith made a quick dart from a ruck to sidestep the defenders and run in for the try while Cane found himself on the end of long, winding passage of play from New Zealand as they took advantage of a tiring Pumas defence. Dan Carter added both conversions and the scoreline had been flipped on its head as the champions now led 26-16.

In the process, the All Blacks avoided losing their first ever pool match in world cup history.

Argentina next play Georgia on Friday in Gloucester while New Zealand take on Namibia at the Olympic Park in London.