‘What the hell’: All Blacks stunned by Michael Cheika’s Pumas in historic upset

The Pumas have stunned the All Blacks in Christchurch, securing their first victory over the three-time world champions in New Zealand.

Dalton Papalii consoles Caleb Clarke of the All Blacks. Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images

The Pumas have stunned the All Blacks in Christchurch, securing their first victory over the three-time world champions in New Zealand.

Argentina, coached by former Wallabies mentor Michael Cheika, claimed a thrilling 25-18 victory over the Kiwis at Orangetheory Stadium on Saturday evening to cement their place atop the Rugby Championship ladder.

It marks the first time New Zealand have lost three consecutive Test matches at home in their 119-year history.

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All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor botched a lineout throw to gift Argentina the ball in the 79th minute, allowing the visitors to run out the clock and boot the footy into the stands after the final siren.

Earlier, New Zealand flanker Shannon Frizell copped a yellow card in the 70th minute for illegally bringing down a rolling maul, leaving the hosts with 14 men for the final 10 minutes.

The Pumas only mustered one try in the nailbiting battle, but the accurate goalkicking of winger Emiliano Boffelli kept the Argentinians in the contest, landing six penalties and a conversion in a flawless display.

all blacks don’t want it enough

— Ben McKay (@benmackey) August 27, 2022

I once went to a Bledisloe in #NZ, and the crowd laughed when #MichaelCheika came onto the big screen. I never forgot that. They are not laughing now. #AllBlacks#Rugby#NZLvARG

— Matt de Groot (@mattdegroot_) August 27, 2022

What the hell has happened to the All Blacks??

— Andy Newport (@AndyNewportDR) August 27, 2022

Brilliant Pumas but are there any new depths Foster cannot take the All Blacks? And the real issue is this isn't a surprise. The NZRFU bottled it after the SA win but surely Foster has to do the honourable thing and go. #6in8

— Jason Collie (@ukcavhead) August 27, 2022

The All Blacks, who squandered an early 15-6 lead, have lost six of their last eight Test matches against four different nations, including Ireland.

At the halfway point of the Rugby Championship, New Zealand sits third on the ladder with one victory from their opening three Tests.

This latest setback piling further pressure onto New Zealand coach Ian Foster, who less than two weeks ago was confirmed as the All Blacks head coach through to next year’s World Cup in France.

“It felt in the first half we were more dominant than we were on the scoreboard. Credit has to go to Argentina for sticking in it and they deserved it,” All Blacks captain Sam Cane confessed after the seven-point loss.

“We know they are one of the better defensive sides in the world. We recycled ball well enough but weren’t able to turn it into points.

“It felt that there wasn’t much rhythm in the game, it was stop-start. We travel up to Hamilton tomorrow to give it another crack and we’ve got to be better.”

Sam Whitelock, Ardie Savea and Sam Cane of the All Blacks. Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Argentina has only beaten New Zealand once before in its history — a 25-15 victory in Sydney two years ago.

“It’s 4.30am in Argentina and we play to make the people proud,” Pumas skipper Julian Montoya said.

“It wasn’t just magic moments. We’ve got to keep working hard. It’s a special moment for us.”