Flyhalf Beauden Barrett grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck just when he needed to as the All Blacks scored three tries in 10 minutes in the second half to beat a combative Argentina 57-22 in their Rugby Championship clash in Hamilton Saturday. Barrett, who scored a first half try and kicked six conversions, broke the game open just as the Pumas looked like they could cause a major upset while trailing 24-22 with about 30 minutes remaining. Coach Steve Hansen, however, then went to his bench earlier than expected and the home side scored five unanswered tries to earn their third successive bonus point victory after two comfortable wins over Australia. "It was a real test match, we really had to work really hard for it," All Blacks captain Kieran Read said in a pitchside interview. "We certainly came out with some intent and they matched it, and that's exactly what you want, games against quality sides. It was a good game." Australia beats South Africa In Brisbane, Australia overcame an early deficit to beat South Africa 23-17 in their Rugby Championship clash also Saturday and snap a run of six successive test defeats. Tries from lock Adam Coleman and center Bernard Foley, who also chipped in with 13 points from the kicking tee, gave the Wallabies a first win since their semifinal victory over Argentina at last year's World Cup. "It's been a tough period but we're really proud to come out and get a win tonight," said a relieved Australia captain Stephen Moore in a touchline interview. "It's always a tough game against the Springboks and they played really well so we're happy with a first win after so many losses." Number eight Warren Whiteley and fullback Johan Goosen crossed to give the Springboks an early lead but the visitors faded after their fast start and managed only one Morne Steyn penalty after the break. "We let ourselves down with some indiscipline," said South Africa skipper Adriaan Strauss. "We had a great start but the discipline cost us and kept us on the back foot." — Agencies
