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By Greg Stutchbury
WELLINGTON, Sept 8 (Reuters) – Two late tries from wingers
Julian Savea and Cory Jane gave the All Blacks a 21-5 victory
over Argentina in their Rugby Championship match that was
disrupted by a power cut in the port area of New Zealand’s
capital city on Saturday.
Wellington Regional Stadium, which sits on land adjacent to
the port, was plunged into darkness during the halftime break
because of the outage, which delayed the start of the second
half for about 15 minutes.
The blackout was an apt metaphor for the game, with few
highlights to speak of as both sides battled driving rain and
swirling gale-force winds.
Even so, the Pumas dispelled any thoughts it could take them
a couple of years to be competitive in the southern hemisphere
competition.
“The Argentinians were in the game,” New Zealand coach Steve
Hansen told reporters after his side completed their 13th
successive test win. “They’re a welcome addition to this
competition.
“They’re only going to get better and better. They’re
already a very good side at the moment.”
Argentina had drawn 16-16 with the Springboks in Mendoza two
weeks ago, a match they probably should have won, to demonstrate
they were more than competitive.
Continued…
