ABs Top Rankings with Win over Pumas

New Zealand snatched South Africa’s world No 1 ranking and placed one hand on the Rugby Championship trophy after subjecting Argentina to a second successive heavy defeat in Brisbane, Reuters reported in an article published by The Guardian.

The All Blacks’ 36-13 bonus-point win in front of 38,000 fans at Suncorp Stadium extended their lead to 10 points over the second-placed Springboks in the table while knocking Argentina and Australia out of the tournament.

“We obviously made a few changes and to keep our performance going with the new combination was pleasing,” All Blacks coach Ian Foster said. “We didn’t change a lot of our game plans … I was delighted with the way we got through that.”

Foster said the All Blacks would celebrate the win but was unfazed about the world No 1 ranking. “It doesn’t feel like you’re ever going to be at the top until you beat the team that’s at the top so let’s just wait and see,” he said.

The All Blacks next play South Africa on 25 September.

Original article by Reuters, The Guardian, September 18, 2021.