The All Blacks' exceptional response against the Pumas at Hamilton on Saturday has captured the attention of rugby lovers across the globe, as the New Zealanders try to rebuild their tattered reputation as one of the world's best teams.
"On a rainy evening in Hamilton, the Pumas were washed away ruthlessly. Summoning the same emotional intensity to back up their historic exploits in Christchurch was always going to be a monumental task and so it proved. The All Blacks delivered a robust response, characterised by punchy attack, flinty defence and clever and varied kicking. They were much improved and Argentina could not cope, conceding a half-century of points that was decorated by seven tries.
"Sam Cane, the New Zealand captain, was exceptional, with Rieko Ioane electric at outside centre. Richie Mo’unga conducted things beautifully from fly-half, while Caleb Clarke was a menace on the wing. Ardie Savea’s phenomenal form continued as well. A fascinating Bledisloe Cup series against the Wallabies comes next, when we will see whether the All Blacks' wobbly patch is truly over as the World Cup beckons."
"What a difference a week makes. New Zealand avenged their defeat last week with a powerhouse display of wet weather rugby that saw them hammer Los Pumas in Hamilton.
"It was one of those nights when the visitors simply couldn’t get into the match and from the very first moment Tomas Lavanini dropped a high ball, resulting in a penalty for the outstanding Richie Mo’unga. The All Blacks were rampant, beating their opponents in virtually every area of the game in a direct and powerful display.
"Joe Schmidt’s hallmark of waves of structured round the corner phase play was again crystal clear to observe. Sure, they was some leniency from the officials for allowing dummy runners to occupy tackling channels, but once New Zealand got pace into their attack off Aaron Smith then they seemed almost unstoppable.
"Last weekend, they spent all afternoon running short lines into traffic. This weekend, they ran at pace from deep into space – put simply, the All Black way. There was absolute clarity in their running lines and support was always available. When width became an issue, the tight five forwards worked miracles on cutting back in on short pops to reset the moves and smash holes down the middle to allow their runners to restart the moves in the wider channels."
"A rampant New Zealand put their troubles behind them to beat Argentina 53-3 in their Rugby Championship Test in Hamilton on Saturday, producing an emphatic display to avenge last week’s shock loss to the Pumas.
"The All Blacks led 24-3 at halftime and never looked like suffering a fourth successive loss on home soil, with the outcome leaving both teams on two wins and two losses in the Rugby Championship.
"It was a vastly more clinical display from the home side than last week’s 25-18 defeat in Christchurch, where the Pumas’ resolute defensive wall held sway.
"Despite wet conditions, New Zealand produced just three handling errors while unleashing several thrilling attacking moves."
Simon Chapman, Channel Nine Australia
"The All Blacks have repaid the faith of their supporters with an awe-inspiring 53-3 win over the Pumas in Hamilton.
"The stats painted a grim picture for the visiting side, who conceded seven tries and never really looked like they would cross the chalk.
"The All Blacks were almost flawless, only making three handling errors over the 80 minutes.
"The All Blacks looked cool, calm and collected throughout with several bursts through the defensive line."
"The seven tries to nil win in wet conditions reversed the result of last weekend’s test which the Pumas won 25-18, ended an unprecedented run of three home defeats and brightened the All Blacks recent record of only three wins from their last nine tests.
"Foster probably would have been clinging by a thread to the head coaching role if the All Blacks had lost again at the Waikato Stadium where Foster played many of his 148 games for Waikato province. He also played for and coached the Hamilton-based Chiefs in Super Rugby.
"Saturday’s match was a homecoming for Foster and he found safe harbor in Hamilton, calm in the storm which has engulfed New Zealand rugby as the All Blacks have stumbled through the worst losing streak in their history."
