New Zealand Under-20s: 17 (Haki Wiseman, JD Van Der Westhuizen, Finn McLeod tries; Cohen Norrie con)Argentina Under-20s: 25 (Federico Serpa Penalty Try, Luciano Avaca, Ramon Fernandez Miranda tries; Serpa pen) HT: 12-15
Argentina’s strong start, lineout prowess and tenacious tackling were the catalysts for their success.
The Pumas' powerful lineout secured 18 of their 20 throws while stealing four of New Zealand’s 13. Despite making 51 more tackles, Argentina led for 64 minutes.
In the first half, Argentina enjoyed 60 per cent possession and 70 per cent territory, leading 15-12 at the interval.
New Zealand hardly touched the ball in the opening quarter as Argentina applied the initial pressure. Influential halfback Juan Preumayr had a try scrubbed out for obstruction by second-five Benjamin Ordiz Yujnovsky, while busts by centre Pedro Coll and winger Luciano Avaca went unrewarded.
Argentina broke through in the 16th minute when first five-eighth Federico Serpa scored. A breakdown turnover and quick short side snipe by Preumayr exposed New Zealand's lack of numbers.
In the 25th minute, Serpa kicked a penalty after New Zealand was pinged for offside.
It took half an hour for New Zealand to enter Argentina’s 22. Canterbury blindside Finn McLeod burst through several tackles but was held up over the line by Ordiz Yujnovsky.
Fellow Nelson loose forward Kobe Brownlee produced a hearty display, and his break a minute later saw Haki Wiseman cross from the next ruck.
Argentina’s stifling tactics unsettled New Zealand. In the 35th minute, lock Jake Frost was yellow carded after a team warning for persistent infringements. A minute later, New Zealand conceded a penalty try from a lineout drive, which also saw prop Ethan Webber dismissed for ten minutes.
Remarkably, New Zealand scored a try with 13 players on the field. In their best passage of the match, New Zealand won a penalty after a series of robust carries, chose to kick for a lineout, mauled powerfully, and created an overlap for North Harbour winger JD Van Der Westhuizen.
The first 15 minutes of the second half were nervy and error-ridden. Just as New Zealand appeared to be gaining ascendancy, Ollie Guerin threw a pass intercepted by lively Avaca, who dashed in from halfway.
New Zealand continued to press with Mika Muliaina’s teasing kick for Logan Williams and deft offload for Angus Revell near misses.
In the 70th minute, Argentina won a scrum penalty in New Zealand’s territory. With a sniff of glory, the Pumas forwards rolled up their sleeves and a gap eventually opened for replacement outside back Ramon Fernandez Miranda in the right corner.
Argentina were unable to retain the restart and pinged for side entry. A quick tap by Wiseman stretched Argentina, and McLeod trampled over the last defender to dot down in the corner, 25-17 with six minutes remaining.
Micah Fale busted from kick-off, linked with Logan Williams, who in turn supplied Boston Krone. Caught by fullback Simon Pfister five meters out, Krone was calm, and Wiseman was on hand to run over the line. Unfortunately, a television match official's intervention ruled out the try for an earlier obstruction before the Fale burst.
Argentina’s best result at the World Rugby Championship was third in 2016 and 2025.
New Zealand finishes their campaign against tournament hosts and world champions South Africa on May 10. They are still ahead of Argentina who lost to South Africa 48-21 in their first match.
