Old-school All Blacks repay the faith with 53-3 pummelling over Pumas
The All Blacks have repaid the faith of their supporters with an awe-inspiring 53-3 win over the Pumas in Hamilton.
The stats painted a grim picture for the visiting side, who conceded seven tries and never really looked like they would cross the chalk.
The All Blacks were almost flawless, only making three handling errors over the 80 minutes.
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Ardie Savea of New Zealand scores a try. Getty
The much-needed win at coach Ian Foster's home ground came off the back of a torrid run having lost six of their previous eight matches.
The rousing reception the home side received was in stark contrast to the defeats of late.
Captain Sam Cane received rapturous applause from the crowd when he wandered off in the 64th minute while his side held a commanding lead.
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"Yeah, obviously massively important," said Cane post-match.
"Under a bit of pressure, we weren't happy with what we dished up last week. Although we felt like we were in the game, this week we were in the game right from the start and we were able to turn that into points. A pretty enjoyable night.
"I thought our defence was outstanding and we were able to force them into a heck of a lot of errors, but on top of that, our discipline was real well so were able to capitalise on that and counterattack.
"I'm also pleased that way we kept it on for the full 80. A pretty complete performance tonight."
Jordie Barrett celebrates his second half try Getty
Noting a Jordie Barrett try that came off a line break taking the All Blacks from one end of the field to the other, Cane said it was a proud moment.
"I just love the attacking mindset," he said.
"We had an advantage at the other end off the scrum; so we threw it, had a crack, and scored 90 metres later. It's awesome. We were really stoked to put out a performance we were really proud of at home. It's not something we've really done this year.
New Zealand's Rieko Ioane dives across the line to score a try. AP
"A massive thank you to the fans that have turned out tonight and the fans that have been supporting us from afar."
It was one-way traffic throughout, with prop Ethan de Groot opening the scoring in the 10th minute.
The All Blacks looked cool, calm and collected throughout with several bursts through the defensive line.
Caleb Clarke and Rieko Ioane were stars of the show, each scoring in the first half.
After a slow start to the second half, Jordie Barrett crossed the chalk off the back of a storming run by Ioane from the other end of the field.
With a little over 10 minutes to go, stand-in skipper Ardie Savea dived across the line before Brodie Retalilck made an impact off the bench with a try of his own.
After Jordie Barrett's moment of brilliance, brother Beauden capped off a scintillating performance with the last try of the match.
The All Blacks kept themselves in contention for The Rugby Championship title with just two games against the Wallabies remaining.
New Zealand faces Australia at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on September 15.
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