All Blacks beat Argentina 41-24 in Córdoba to reclaim world No.1

The All Blacks began their 2025 Rugby Championship campaign with a controlled, six-try performance to beat Argentina 41-24 in Córdoba, reclaiming top spot in the world rankings in the process. Sevu Reece struck twice in the first half and again in the second, while Samisoni Taukeiaho delivered a late double from the bench as New Zealand withstood a second-half rally from Los Pumas to seal the victory.

New Zealand surged ahead early, with Beauden Barrett landing a penalty and Sevu Reece crossing for the opening try as the visitors opened a 10-point lead inside the first 10 minutes. Argentina hit back through Rodrigo Isgró, but the All Blacks replied with a rapid sequence of scores, including Cortez Ratima’s break to set up Reece for a second time and Ardie Savea powering over from a lineout drive. By halftime, New Zealand led 31-10 after a sequence of well-executed plays and a relentless rolling maul, with Ratima and Reece adding further tries.

Argentina refused to lie down after the break, led by Tomas Albornoz’s individual try and a late surge that reduced the gap to seven points. Yet the visitors again found a finishing gear, as Taukeiaho finished two lineout mauls in the...