For a while it looked like we might have another 2015 Rugby World Cup upset -- not on the scale of Japan beating South Africa, but an upset nonetheless -- as Argentina led in the second half against the defending champions New Zealand at Wembley.
With the crowd pulling for the Pumas, the possibility of a stunning win was on, before the All Blacks turned on the style and power, like only they can, to eventually come away with a 26-16 victory in their opening match of the World Cup.
Argentina were leading New Zealand 16-12 – the All Blacks were in the game thanks to some good kicking from Dan Carter -- in the second half, before the turnaround came, thanks to some outstanding pressure in the final third by New Zealand as the Argentina players tired.
Aaron Smith scored the first try for New Zealand, a beautiful fake and a cut inside completely throwing off the Pumas defenders, with Sam Cane picking up another try late in the match to put the game to bed.
While Smith and Cane scored the tries for New Zealand, it was Sonny Bill Williams who impressed most for the All Blacks, after coming on, with his direct running proving to be too hot to handle for Argentina, who just could not cope with the intense pressure in the final half hour.
New Zealand will be happy to pick up a victory in their opening match of Pool C, but they will know there is plenty of improvements to be made, with Richie McCaw, the All Blacks captain, and Conrad Smith both sent to the sin-bin during the World Cup match
The Wembley crowd made their feelings about McCaw clear, booing the most capped player in the world, as he was given the yellow card for a trip on Juan Martina Fernandez Lobbe and also during his post-match interview.
"It's normal over here," a not-amused New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said when asked about the booing. "We take it for what it is -- a lack of respect against a great player.
"If you're no good, nobody cares. You don't get booed unless you're any good."
