New Pumas Rewrite Old Scores At Home

Argentina stun New Zealand to host first win over giants after 16 tries and 40 years

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BUENOS AIRES - Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi hailed a historic win over New Zealand in the Rugby Championship on Aug 23 but did not want to compare the current Pumas' achievements with successful teams of the past.

Argentina, semi-finalists at the 2023 World Cup, beat the All Blacks at home for the first time in 16 attempts stretching back 40 years, with a 29-23 triumph at the Estadio Jose Amalfitani.

The Pumas also beat New Zealand in Christchurch in 2022 and in Wellington in 2024 as well as overcoming world champions South Africa at home in the 2024 Rugby Championship.

"We are a connecting thread in the great history of Los Pumas," said Contepomi, who helped Argentina to their first World Cup semi-final appearance in 2007.

"As a player, you live rugby to the fullest; as a coach you try to live it in the best way possible. But this success is theirs... Los Pumas 2025. This group has already set several milestones, beating the All Blacks away, beating them for the first time here. I think it's great. But you don't have to compare."