All Blacks run rampant in emphatic win over Argentina

New Zealand’s Ardie Savea dives in for his try during the rugby union Test match against Argentina at FMG Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday – AFP

HAMILTON, AFP: The All Blacks put their Rugby Championship troubles behind them with a 53-3 dismantling of Argentina in Hamilton Saturday, as New Zealand coach Ian Foster lauded his team’s ambition.

The rampant home side scored seven tries in an emphatic display to avenge last week’s shock loss to the Pumas, with the outcome leaving both teams on two wins and two losses in the Rugby Championship.

Up 24-3 at halftime, New Zealand’s display was vastly more clinical than last week’s 25-18 defeat in Christchurch.

On that occasion, the Pumas’ resolute defensive wall and breakdown physicality held sway, but the All Blacks found ways to overcome those hurdles in their most eye-catching performance of a turbulent year.

It brings some relief for under-fire coach Foster, who has now overseen three wins from his last nine Tests in charge -- a record he will hope to improve in two remaining Rugby Championship Tests against Australia this month.