OPINION: Less than two weeks after receiving the backing of the NZ Rugby board, the knives may well be out once again for All Blacks coach Ian Foster.
Under his tenure, unwanted records continue to fall, as Argentina claimed a historic win on New Zealand soil, just two years after their first win over the All Blacks at Sydney.
But Foster can't shoulder all the blame, as ill-discipline and errors cost the All Blacks dearly in a test the players simply didn't look as if they wanted enough.
The Pumas played with predictable passion and won key moments, as the All Blacks failed to step up when it mattered most.
Here's how individual players performed:
1-Ethan de Groot 7.5
Dominated opposite prop Joel Sclavi at scrum-time, winning two penalties and setting up attacking platforms for the All Blacks. Conceded just the one penalty for a high tackle on Pablo Matera.
2-Samisoni Taukei'aho 7.5
Was arguably New Zealand's best player, until he was replaced shortly after halftime. Scored the All Blacks' first try, after a powerful maul drive.
Carried strongly and also made plenty of tackles in just 45 minutes of action.
3-Tyrel Lomax 6
Was part of a powerful All Blacks front row and more than held his own against Thomas Gallo, but was penalised a couple times, including an unnecessary bit of play at the lineout.
4-Sam Whitelock 5
Not the veteran's best outing in the black jersey. Was penalised twice and turned the ball over, but was integral to New Zealand's maul on attack and defence.
5-Scott Barrett 5
Failed to retake the kick-off, which led to Juan Martin Gonzalez scoring Argentina's only try. Was also penalised twice, but did make all his tackles.
6-Shannon Frizell 5
Looked to get involved early and certainly didn't shy away from contact, but was shown a yellow card for collapsing the maul, when the All Blacks were chasing the game with under 10 minutes to play.
7-Sam Cane 3
Another uneventful and largely disappointing shift from the usually dependable, but often missing All Blacks captain. Turned the ball over twice and was penalised a couple of times, including an off-the-ball tackle late in the match.
8-Ardie Savea 7
Made several strong carries, committing Argentine defenders, but was met well on more than one occasion. Another solid outing from Mr Consistent.
9-Aaron Smith 5.5
Passing was on point as always, putting his support runners in space and half gaps, but faded late, before being substituted.
10-Richie Mo'unga 6.5
Made more metres than any other All Black, making several runs and was fantastic under the high ball. Missed a couple of kicks at goal, as well as two tackles.
11-Caleb Clarke 6.5
Took his try well, beating one tackler, before racing in for the All Blacks' second try. Was more than a handful for the opposition with ball in hand.
12-David Havili 4
Struggled to impose himself, running for just 13 metres from his eight carries. Penalised once and guilty of turning the ball over.
13-Rieko Ioane 5
Tried hard as always, but guilty of trying too hard, making unforced errors. Timed his pass to Jordie Barrett perfectly, which led to Clarke's try.
14-Will Jordan 4
Another disappointing cameo from the All Blacks winger. Ran for just 30 metres and was penalised.
Maybe it's time to try somebody else at No.14?
15-Jordie Barrett 7
Attacked the defence line with intent, and provided the line-break and final pass to send Clarke over for his try. Led his outside backs in metres and was untroubled under the high ball.
Reserves:
16-Codie Taylor 2
17-George Bower 7.5
18-Fletcher Newell 6
19-Tupou Vaa'i N/A
20-Akira Ioane 6
21-Finlay Christie 5
22-Stephen Perofeta N/A
23-Quinn Tupaea 6
Reece Labuschagne is a Newshub online sports producer
