Argentina pulled off one of their greatest ever victories as they condemned the All Blacks to a third home defeat in four games this season.
Los Pumas were simply sublime as they clinically shut down the All Blacks attack with a ferociously physical defence and exceptional kicking game.
Post-match the once again under fire All Blacks head coach Ian Foster attempted to deflect responsibility towards what he considered illegal ruck tactics employed by Los Pumas.
“Overall, I just felt that they got away with some stuff at the breakdown, not releasing the ball carrier on the ground, and we weren’t able to deal with it. It was an area we got hammered in the penalty count at critical times. I’m probably a little bit bemused by some of that.” Hansen said.
Never one to back down from a challenge, Cheika fired back at Foster pointing out his side’s tactics over the years.
“Well, he’d be an expert on it because his team does it all the time, so he should know,” Cheika said.
“I don’t know if that’s the right response after the game.”
Further twisting the knife, Cheika brought up the topic of Scott Robertson, the man many believe should replace Foster as the All Blacks coach.
“I think that the Crusaders have made a really huge mark, and Scott Robertson has made a really huge mark on Pablo,” Cheika said. “It shows the quality of the franchise and the coaching here, he’s come back a heaps better player — mentally and technically.”
“It’s a blockbuster because they’re going to be coming with everything,” Cheika said.
“It’ll be a great lesson for us on how to handle these situations when they’ll be coming hard. We’ve got to bring something as well to match it.”
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