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Rampant All Blacks crush Argentina to stay unbeaten in Rugby Championship

Beauden Barrett scores a try, sets up another and kicks 12 points as hosts record a 57-22 win in Hamilton on Saturday

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New Zealand's Julian Savea (left) celebrates with Ben Smith (right). Photo: AFP

A devastating late surge saw New Zealand pound dogged Argentina 57-22 in a frenetic Rugby Championship encounter at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday.

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The All Blacks scored eight tries to Argentina’s one, but it was not until Ryan Crotty crossed 13 minutes into the second half that they started to gain command.

With the score at 24-22, Crotty’s try sparked a 33-point spree in the closing 27 minutes of the match.

By full-time the dominance was clear-cut, but after strolling to victory twice over Australia in the opening rounds of the tournament, the All Blacks this time found a more formidable opponent until the Pumas ran out of steam.

New Zealand's Arron Smith is tackled by Argentina's Matias Moroni. Photo: AFP
New Zealand's Arron Smith is tackled by Argentina's Matias Moroni. Photo: AFP
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Julian Savea, Ben Smith and Beauden Barrett scored first half tries for the All Blacks, who reached half-time with a 24-19 advantage, while Crotty scored twice and Charlie Faumuina, Smith again and Luke Romano touched down in the second half.

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