Shock loss to Argentina rocks All Blacks' Rugby Championship hopes

Veteran Agustin Creevy scored a try in the 69th minute as Argentina stunned New Zealand 38-30 on Saturday night in a thrilling Rugby Championship match that had five lead changes in the second half.

The 39-year-old hooker came off the bench in the last quarter to score his seventh Test try and secure Argentina’s third win over New Zealand in 42 meetings.

Jubilant Argentina players celebrate their upset defeat of New Zealand.Credit: Getty Images

Creevy’s try in Wellington stemmed from a moment of abject panic among the All Blacks who, with two wild passes, retreated from near halfway to their own goal line where they conceded a scrum. The Pumas’ scrum held steady and Creevy drove the ball through the defence under the posts.

“I’m 39 and this is the first time for me winning a game in New Zealand,” an emotional Creevy said. “That is one game. But there is another game next week and that is the next thing, winning two games in a row.”

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While the All Blacks led 30-25 after 53 minutes, Argentina stuck with them all the way and gave their opponents no breathing space in the second half.

“It’s hugely disappointing,” All Blacks captain Ardie Savea said. “We prepared all week to come here and get the win but it wasn’t our night tonight.”

AP