New Zealand began the 2025 Rugby Championship in fine style after securing a 24-41 bonus-point victory over Argentina in Cordoba. Tries from Sevu Reece, Cortiz Ratima, Ardie Savea and a double from Samisoni Taukei’aho sealed the victory for the All Blacks despite a spirited fightback by the home side in the second half.
Argentina 24 New Zealand 41
New Zealand began the 2025 Rugby Championship in fine style after securing a 24-41 bonus-point victory over Argentina in Cordoba. Tries from Sevu Reece, Cortiz Ratima, Ardie Savea and a double from Samisoni Taukei’aho sealed the victory for the All Blacks despite a spirited fightback by the home side in the second half.
Following a Beauden Barrett penalty in the early stages of the first half, Reece got the first try of the game in the corner for the All Blacks to give them a 0-10 lead. Harlequins winger Rodrigo Isgro hit back for the hosts to get Argentina on the board.
New Zealand’s 10-point lead was restored by Ratima’s try following a sublime break from Will Jordan. Savea added a third try before Reece secured his second to give the All Blacks a commanding 21-point advantage at half-time.
Tomas Albornoz’s try gave Argentina hope 10 minutes into the second half and then Joaquin Oviedo’s effort made it a one-score game.
The hosts’ momentum was halted as All Blacks replacement hooker Taukei’aho scored a double, both from rolling mauls, to put the game beyond the home side. The sides will meet in round two in Buenos Aires next weekend.
Earlier today Australia pulled off a huge shock in the opening match of the competition, coming from 22-0 down against defending champions South Africa to win 22-38 in Johannesburg.
12:15 AM BST
The 2025 Rugby Championship schedule
Today
South Africa 22-38 Australia - Johannesburg
Argentina 24-41 New Zealand - Cordoba
August 23
South Africa vs Australia - Cape Town, 4.10pm
Argentina vs New Zealand - Buenos Aires, 10.10pm
September 6
Australia vs Argentina - Townsville, 5.30am
New Zealand vs South Africa - Auckland, 8.05am
September 13
Australia vs Argentina - Sydney, 5am
New Zealand vs South Africa - Wellington, 8.05am
September 27
New Zealand vs Australia - Auckland, 6.05am
South Africa vs Argentina - Durban, 4.10pm
October 4
Australia vs New Zealand - Perth, 10.45am
Argentina vs South Africa - Twickenham, 2pm
12:10 AM BST
FT stats
Possession: Argentina 55%-45% New Zealand
Tackles: 125-151
Tackles missed: 14-24
Carries: 126-87
Metres made: 769-594
Line breaks: 4-2
12:06 AM BST
Full time
There is the final whistle and New Zealand claim a bonus-point victory in Cordoba in round one of the 2025 Rugby Championship.
Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship off to a great start 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TV5YyRm0BE
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 16, 2025
12:04 AM BST
78 mins: Argentina 24 New Zealand 41
Argentina are going to lose this match but they could deny New Zealand a try-bonus point here with a try of their own.
However New Zealand steal the lineout five metres out from their own line.
12:02 AM BST
77 mins: Argentina 24 New Zealand 41
Argentina get to within five metres of the New Zealand line but are penalised for holding on.
However the referee wants to check something beforehand in the build-up. He is looking for foul play by Lienert-Brown on Chocobares. It is a clear illegal tackle off the ball and it appears there may have been head-on-head contact. Lienert-Brown is rightly shown a yellow card.
11:58 PM BST
TRY! Taukei’aho doubles up
Argentina cannot stop the All Blacks rolling maul and that should be game, set and match. Taukei’aho has come off the bench for the visitors and has his second of the match. B Barrett’s conversion goes past the right post but New Zealand lead by 17 points.
11:57 PM BST
73 mins: Argentina 24 New Zealand 36
After the visitors win a penalty, B Barrett pumps it deep into the 22...
11:56 PM BST
72 mins: Argentina 24 New Zealand 36
That try from Taukei’aho has taken some of momentum out of not only the Argentina players but also the crowd.
11:53 PM BST
TRY! Taukei’aho’s effort halts Argentina’s momentum
The right call by New Zealand to go to the corner as replacement hooker Taukei’aho goes over from close range. B Barrett hits the right upright so it is just the five points.
11:51 PM BST
67 mins: Argentina 24 New Zealand 31
The All Blacks win the lineout and set the maul, which looks like it might go all the way to the line but is stopped five metres out. They are then awarded a penalty as Argentina went off their feet. Surely this time they will go for three but they do not. To the corner they go.
11:49 PM BST
66 mins: Argentina 24 New Zealand 31
New Zealand’s discipline has been woeful in this second half so far but this time it is Argentina’s turn to concede a penalty. The All Blacks could go for goal to make it a two-score game but instead go to the corner.
11:46 PM BST
TRY! Oviedo dots down under the posts
Argentina do not need that penalty advantage as Oviedo gets the ball down under the posts. It is a simple conversion and it is now a one-score game. New Zealand are also still down to 14 men.
11:45 PM BST
63 mins: Argentina 17 New Zealand 31
Another penalty advantage for the home side...
11:44 PM BST
61 mins: Argentina 17 New Zealand 31
Argentina are on the attack one more inside the All Blacks 22 and have another penalty advantage. The ball is knocked on so we go back for the penalty. New Zealand need to be careful with their discipline here as they could be facing another yellow soon.
The hosts are going for a quick tap.
11:41 PM BST
60 mins: Argentina 17 New Zealand 31
New Zealand manage to steal possession on the ground and that was a crucial steal for the visitors.
11:40 PM BST
59 mins: Argentina 17 New Zealand 31
Argentina are given a free-kick and Matera carries hard. He is brought down just shy of the line and then, moments later, Argentina are given a penalty. Not only that but Proctor is shown a yellow card.
The hosts opt for a scrum.
11:39 PM BST
58 mins: Argentina 17 New Zealand 31
New Zealand have the put-in at the scrum on the fringes of their own 22 but Argentina are the ones to win the penalty. New Zealand were dominating at scrum time earlier but this is an opportunity for the home side as they put the penalty into the corner.
11:36 PM BST
55 mins: Argentina 17 New Zealand 31
The momentum is just starting to shifts in the hosts’ favour as the All Blacks are punished for not rolling away on the Argentinian 10-metre line.
There is also a check for a high tackle by Savea on Petti but that is just a penalty as well.
New Zealand have made a couple more changes as Tuipulotu and McKenzie are on. Captain S Barrett is off as is Reece, who scored two tries in the first half.
11:33 PM BST
53 mins: Argentina 17 New Zealand 31
New Zealand look to hit back immediately as they are attacking inside the Argentinian 22 but they go off their feet at the breakdown. Proctor was the man at fault.
11:30 PM BST
TRY! Albornoz scores under the posts
Argentina strike when they absolutely had to. From the scrum in centre field inside the All Blacks 22, he somehow bounces out of a couple of tackles and scores under the posts. He converts his own try and the gap is now 14 points.
11:29 PM BST
50 mins: Argentina 10 New Zealand 31
Albornoz puts Oviedo through a gap and Argentina are attacking inside the New Zealand 22. As they try to come to the right, the ball comes forward off an All Blacks hand so the home side will have a scrum. If they have any hope of getting back into this game they have to strike now.
New Zealand are ringing the changes as Taukei’aho, Norris and Christie are on for Taylor, Newell and Ratima.
S Carreras, who has swapped Gloucster and Bath this summer, is on for the home side.
11:26 PM BST
47 mins: Argentina 10 New Zealand 31
The hosts will kick themselves there as they concede a free-kick at the scrum. Chance wasted.
11:24 PM BST
46 mins: Argentina 10 New Zealand 31
Argentina knock the ball on and New Zealand tried to counter but a forward pass is thrown on the edge of their own 22 to gift Argentina another scrum.
Argentina make a double prop change as Chaparro and Sclavi replace Vivas and Delgado.
11:22 PM BST
44 mins: Argentina 10 New Zealand 31
The ball is knocked on by New Zealand at the lineout to give Argentina the scrum but, before that can take place, a mass melee ensues. The referee therefore decides to call over both captains to warn their teams about their discipline.
11:20 PM BST
43 mins: Argentina 10 New Zealand 31
The first penalty of the second half goes Argentina’s way as Vaai is pinged for a late tackle on halfway. Albornoz takes the hosts into the All Blacks 22.
11:17 PM BST
Second half
We are back under way in Cordoba. Can Argentina turn this game around or will New Zealand join Australia in winning their opening game?
11:09 PM BST
HT stats
Carries: Argentina 52-52 New Zealand
Turnovers won: 1-3
Line breaks: 2-2
Possession: 43%-57%
Penalties conceded: 9-4
Tackles made: 67-56
Tackles missed: 12-3
11:02 PM BST
Half-time
That is the final act of the first half and New Zealand lead by 21 points at the break. Earlier today South Africa led by 17 points at half-time against Australia and we know how that game ended.
Massive first half from the lads 🫡
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 16, 2025
We lead 31-10 over Argentina. pic.twitter.com/8KeD67wlVX
11:01 PM BST
TRY! Reece doubles up
With the clock deep in the red, New Zealand get their fourth try. They are inches from the Argentinian line and they come down the blindside, with Reece dotting down right in the corner for his second try of the game. B Barrett gets the touchline conversion.
Sevu at it again just before half time 💪
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 16, 2025
Watch live on @skysportnzpic.twitter.com/j9g2hVuUYN
10:55 PM BST
TRY! Savea rolls over
New Zealand have their third try of the match. S Barrett secures the catch at the lineout and there is no stopping the All Blacks maul, with Savea the man to dot the ball down at the bottom of the maul. B Barrett converts the try and New Zealand lead by 14 just before the break.
10:54 PM BST
36 mins: Argentina 10 New Zealand 17
New Zealand win the lineout and set the maul before being given a penalty advantage. Nothing comes from it so we go back for the penalty.
B Barrett puts it back into the corner.
10:53 PM BST
35 mins: Argentina 10 New Zealand 17
The All Blacks are awarded a penalty at a scrum on the Argentina 10-metre line. B Barrett is going to pump this into the 22.
10:50 PM BST
33 mins: Argentina 10 New Zealand 17
This is a concern for the hosts as Kremer is down after his ankle got trapped during a tackle. The medical staff are on and he slams the ground as he is treated. It appeared he was going to come off and Saracens’ Gonzalez was ready to come on but Kremer is going to try and continue after some tape is put around his ankle. It will be interesting to see how long he lasts.
10:45 PM BST
PENALTY ARGENTINA!
Albornoz missed his first penalty kick of the game but this time makes no mistake from around 35 metres out, in front of the posts. New Zealand’s lead is cut to seven.
10:44 PM BST
28 mins: Argentina 7 New Zealand 17
Ioane is penalised on his own 10-metre line and he is perplexed by that decision. It comes after a hit on Delguy. Argentina point to the posts...
10:42 PM BST
27 mins: Argentina 7 New Zealand 17
Argentina are restored to 15 men as Vivas returns to the field.
10:38 PM BST
TRY! Ratima extends New Zealand’s lead after Jordan brilliance
That was all about Jordan though. The full-back makes the break from inside his own half as he steps off his right foot and gets through a gap between Chocobares and Isgro. He races with his electric pace towards the Argentinian 22 and simply passes inside to Ratima, who goes over. B Barrett gets the conversion and New Zealand’s lead is back up to 10 points.
Will Jordan the danger man in space 😮💨
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 16, 2025
Watch live on @skysportnzpic.twitter.com/iFnUafM6i8
10:37 PM BST
23 mins: Argentina 7 New Zealand 10
The time is ticking down on Vivas’ yellow card and, with just four minutes left on that sin bin, Argentina are yet to concede a point during this period. Their head coach Felipe Contepomi will be happy with some of the defensive sets and the big hits going in.
10:31 PM BST
19 mins: Argentina 7 New Zealand 10
The hosts will be delighted with that defensive set as they force the All Blacks back and then force a knock-on.
10:31 PM BST
17 mins: Argentina 7 New Zealand 10
New Zealand are awarded a penalty near the Argentinian 22 and, not only do the hosts concede a penalty, but they are also down to 14 men as Vivas cynically slapped the ball out of Ratima’s hands at the breakdown. New Zealand go to the corner...
10:28 PM BST
TRY! Isgro hits back for Argentina
The hosts do not need that penalty advantage and get on the scoreboard for the first time today. Chocobares sends a long pass out to his right to find Harlequins winger Isgro, who goes over untouched right in the corner. Albornoz may have missed a penalty earlier but he makes no mistake with a tough touchline conversion. Three points in it now.
10:28 PM BST
14 mins: Argentina 0 New Zealand 10
Argentina are attacking deep inside the All Blacks’ 22 and, after a series of powerful forward carries, they are just five metres short. They now have a penalty advantage...
10:26 PM BST
12 mins: Argentina 0 New Zealand 10
The Argentine crowd are not happy with a hit from Taylor that they felt was late but the officials are fine with it. After Chocobares was penalised earlier for a late hit they were desperate for roles to be reversed this time but not to be.
10:21 PM BST
TRY! Reece scores in the corner
A great start for the All Blacks. They are knocking on the door, just inches from the line after a series of carries from the forwards, before they send it wide into the hands of the backs. Jordan whips a long pass out to Reece, who catches on the stretch and scores right in the corner. B Barrett’s conversion hits the inside of the left-hand upright and goes in, meaning New Zealand lead by 10.
Sevu Reece with our first try of The Rugby Championship 👏
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 16, 2025
Watch live on @skysportnzpic.twitter.com/rSTbr3JYY3
10:21 PM BST
8 mins: Argentina 0 New Zealand 3
The All Blacks counter ruck brilliantly on halfway and win themselves a penalty as Argentina are caught offside. B Barrett’s kick into the corner is superb, which will result in a lineout for New Zealand five metres out from the Argentinian line...
10:19 PM BST
7 mins: Argentina 0 New Zealand 3
Albornoz’s penalty hits the post and comes back out. New Zealand gather the loose ball and clear.
10:19 PM BST
6 mins: Argentina 0 New Zealand 3
Roles are reversed in this case as this time Argentina are awarded a penalty on the All Blacks’ 10-metre line as the visitors are caught not rolling away. Montoya, like his counterpart S Barrett, points to the posts...
10:17 PM BST
PENALTY NEW ZEALAND!
B Barrett nails the kick from the 10-metre line and New Zealand score the first points of the game.
10:16 PM BST
3 mins: Argentina 0 New Zealand 0
The first penalty goes the All Blacks’ way after a late tackle by Chocobares on B Barrett after the pass had been thrown. Watching the replays it is absolutely the right call and was cynical. Chocobares is slightly fortunate not to see yellow. It is on the Argentinian 10-metre line so New Zealand have a decision to make; go for goal or the corner? They opt for the posts...
10:13 PM BST
Kick-off
After the visitors, led by hooker Codie Taylor in his 99th Test, perform The Haka, it is time to get under way in Cordoba. Who will join Australia in winning their opening match of the 2025 Rugby Championship?
10:02 PM BST
Anthem time
Both sides emerge from the tunnel, first the visitors New Zealand and then the hosts Argentina, and it is time for the national anthems. “God Defend New Zealand” followed by “Himno Nacional Argentino”.
10:00 PM BST
Reminder of the teams
Argentina starting XV: 15 Juan Cruz Mallía, 14 Rodrigo Isgró, 13 Lucio Cinti, 12 Santiago Chocobares, 11 Bautista Delguy, 10 Tomás Albornoz, 9 Gonzalo García, 8 Joaquín Oviedo, 7 Marcos Kremer, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Pedro Rubiolo, 4 Franco Molina, 3 Pedro Delgado, 2 Julián Montoya (c), 1 Mayco Vivas.
Replacements: 16 Ignacio Ruiz, 17 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 18 Joel Sclavi, 19 Guido Petti, 20 Juan Martín González, 21 Simón Benítez Cruz, 22 Santiago Carreras, 23 Justo Piccardo.
New Zealand starting XV: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Damian McKenzie.
09:58 PM BST
World rugby rankings
- South Africa
- New Zealand
- Ireland
- France
- England
- Australia
09:49 PM BST
The Rugby Championship 2025 Schedule
Today
South Africa 22-38 Australia - Johannesburg
Argentina vs New Zealand - Cordoba, 10.10pm
August 23
South Africa vs Australia - Cape Town, 4.10pm
Argentina vs New Zealand - Buenos Aires, 10.10pm
September 6
Australia vs Argentina - Townsville, 5.30am
New Zealand vs South Africa - Auckland, 8.05am
September 13
Australia vs Argentina - Sydney, 5am
New Zealand vs South Africa - Wellington, 8.05am
September 27
New Zealand vs Australia - Auckland, 6.05am
South Africa vs Argentina - Durban, 4.10pm
October 4
Australia vs New Zealand - Perth, 10.45am
Argentina vs South Africa - Twickenham, 2pm
09:42 PM BST
The hosts in the house
¡Llegamos al Kempes! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/2Dpfvkmd4x
— Los Pumas (@lospumas) August 16, 2025
09:37 PM BST
2024 Rugby Championship final table
South Africa- 24 points
New Zealand- 16 points
Argentina- 14 points
Australia- 5 points
09:33 PM BST
Recent Rugby Championship winners
2024- South Africa
2023- New Zealand
2022- New Zealand
2021- New Zealand
2019- South Africa
2018- New Zealand
09:29 PM BST
New Zealand’s last five results
New Zealand 29-19 France
New Zealand 43-17 France
New Zealand 31-27 France
Italy 11-29 New Zealand
France 30-29 New Zealand
09:23 PM BST
Argentina’s last five results
Argentina 52-17 Uruguay
Argentina 17-22 England
Argentina 12-35 England
British and Irish Lions 24-28 Argentina
France 37-23 Argentina
09:19 PM BST
Shock in Johannesburg
When South Africa went 22-0 up not even 20 minutes into their match against Australia at Ellis Park, you thought the game was heading only in one direction. However a stunning comeback from Joe Schmidt’s side score 38 unanswered points to claim an historic victory.
09:14 PM BST
Teams
A number of Gallagher PREM players in Argentina’s ranks, including Rodrigo Isgró, Lucio Cinti, Pedro Rubiolo and Santiago Carreras.
Argentina starting XV: 15 Juan Cruz Mallía, 14 Rodrigo Isgró, 13 Lucio Cinti, 12 Santiago Chocobares, 11 Bautista Delguy, 10 Tomás Albornoz, 9 Gonzalo García, 8 Joaquín Oviedo, 7 Marcos Kremer, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Pedro Rubiolo, 4 Franco Molina, 3 Pedro Delgado, 2 Julián Montoya (c), 1 Mayco Vivas.
Replacements: 16 Ignacio Ruiz, 17 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 18 Joel Sclavi, 19 Guido Petti, 20 Juan Martín González, 21 Simón Benítez Cruz, 22 Santiago Carreras, 23 Justo Piccardo.
All three Barrett brothers start, with Beauden Barrett given the nod at fly-half ahead of Damian McKenzie.
New Zealand starting XV: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Damian McKenzie.
09:09 PM BST
Match preview
The opening round of the 2025 Rugby Championship concludes in Cordoba as Argentina host New Zealand at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes. Argentina, who finished third in the Rugby Championship last year, lost both Tests against England earlier this summer but did beat Uruguay 52-17 in their most recent match.
New Zealand, who finished second in last year’s edition, claimed a 3-0 series victory against an under-strength France last month. Before South Africa won the Rugby Championship last year, New Zealand were victors in the previous three editions. Speaking ahead of the game, their head coach Scott Robertson is looking forward to the challenge of playing on Argentinian soil.
“We have had a great week of training in Buenos Aires, and the group is ready to go out and perform,” Robertson said. “Scott [Barrett] and our leaders have led from the front, and there is a lot of focus and motivation in the group for the start of the campaign. We know the Pumas identity is a fast and physical game, and we have selected a team that will embrace the occasion. It has been 30 years since the All Blacks played in Córdoba, and we are looking forward to the passion and energy of the home crowd.
“We have got a balanced and experienced squad. Obviously, we used the three Tests against the French to play our whole squad, and now we are focusing in on a very, very good Argentinian team; they have picked a strong squad. There is a lot of experience in their team too, so it is going to be a great game. We like playing fast; they play fast and skilled rugby. So, it is on.”
New Zealand beat Argentina 42-10 at home in the Rugby Championship last year but lost 30-38 at home. Earlier today Australia pulled off a sensational shock win in South Africa, coming from 22-0 down to win 22-38. Kick-off from Cordoba is at 10.10pm BST.
Category: General Sports
