BUENOS AIRES, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand secured their third consecutive Rugby Championship here on Saturday by defeating Argentina 35-17 in the penultimate round of the tournament.
Nicolas Sanchez put the hosts ahead at Jose Amalfitani stadium with a penalty before Rieko Ioane and Waisake Naholo scored tries in quick succession as the visitors wrested control.
Ioane capitalized on an Argentina fumble to cross the line after a 30-yard run and reserve lock Patrick Tuipulotu extended the buffer with another try as the All Blacks sought to close out the match in the second half.
The Pumas forced their way back into the contest when Tomas Cubelli and fullback Emiliano Boffelli crossed the line within minutes.
But Anton Lienert-Brown put the result beyond doubt with a late try after being fed by Richie Mo'unga.
Argentina will host Australia in Salta in next week's final round while New Zealand meet South Africa in Pretoria.
Match details:
New Zealand 35 (Rieko Ioane 2, Waisake Naholo, Patrick Tuipulotu, Anton Lienert-Brown tries; Beauden Barrett 4 conversions; Richie Mo'unga conversion)
Argentina 17 (Tomas Cubelli, Emiliano Boffelli tries; Nicolas Sanchez 2 conversions, penalty). HT: 21-3.
