New Zealand vs. Argentina: Score and Report from 2014 Rugby Championship Clash

New Zealand did just enough to outlast Argentina in a defensive and mistake-ridden 2014 Rugby Championship clash.

The All Blacks eventually won 28-9, although the game proved a lot closer than the 19-point difference would suggest.

The All Blacks found it tough to break down a resolute Argentina defensive line, as well as dealing with treacherous conditions, marked by heavy rain in the first half.

The opening period was defined by how the Pumas frustrated New Zealand. They stymied the All Blacks by consistently denying them the space to get out and play from deep.

Argentina's approach also featured a number of drop-kicks to keep the All Blacks at the wrong end of the pitch. This stifling game plan forced many New Zealand errors.

The half-time statistics were particularly painful reading for the All Blacks, as Ruckin Good Stats revealed:

The half-dozen handling errors were a clear indicator of how well Argentina's approach worked early on. So was the fact that the All Blacks didn't take the lead until the 16th minute.

Their opening points came courtesy of a Beauden Barrett penalty kick. It was the start of a superb showing from Barrett. That kick was soon answered by a penalty conversion from Argentina's Nicolas Sanchez.

However, the All Blacks asserted control via a superb example of counter-attacking rugby. It came from a break sparked by a clever kick nudged through the stubborn Argentina defensive line by Barrett.

Eventually, the ball was worked to fleet-footed powerhouse Julian Savea. He scored his 25th try in as many matches. It was ample reward for Barrett's ingenuity.

That gave the All Blacks an 8-3 lead. But fly-half Sanchez soon struck back again with his second penalty kick to make the score 8-6.

That's how the first half seemed destined to end, which would have suited Argentina. But the All Blacks had one more piece of brilliance left before the break.

They stole the pill from an Argentina scrum. Aaron Smith fed the ball to Barrett. His acceleration and nifty first move to evade a tackle combined for a superb sight.

At top speed, Barrett slipped a smart reverse pass to Liam Messam. He plunged his way over for the try. Sadly, Barrett missed his kick, leaving New Zealand with a 13-6 lead at the interval.

In the second half, the rain eased off which allowed the All Blacks to work the ball more and build some sustained possession. They didn't take long to capitalise.

Once again, Barrett was at the heart of things. A line-out produced some nice combination passing from Smith and Barrett. The latter then released Savea with a brilliant piece of quick thinking and deception.

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Barrett used his eyes to look off would-be tacklers and draw attention away from Savea. He looked one way and passed the other, via a subtle flick of the hands.

Barrett didn't pass directly to Savea. Instead, he passed into a space and simply counted on his team-mate being there. Savea obliged and took the ball on the run to stride in for his second try.

At this point, Barrett's kicking woes resurfaced. He missed his conversion to leave the score at 18-6. Barrett's inaccurate kicks were the only blotch on his otherwise thrilling performance.

After Sanchez added his third penalty goal for Argentina's final points, it was no surprise that New Zealand turned to someone else to execute the kicking chores.

Colin Slade converted his first kick to make the score 21-9. There was still time for one more display of speed and strength from the All Blacks.

It came courtesy of Aaron Smith. He was set free from a scrum the All Blacks dominated thanks to the power of their forward pack. Slade's conversion wrapped up the points and sealed the game.

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Smith deserved his score. While Barrett's efforts were highlight-worthy, Smith was the steady and efficient presence at the heart of everything the All Blacks did.

The All Blacks were certainly made to work for this win. Argentina would have earned some plaudits for such a rugged and committed display.

However, New Zealand's ability to win with room to spare, even when making mistakes, confirms the All Blacks' status as international rugby union's dominant force.