While New Zealand racked up a record 57-0 scoreline against South Africa in Albany, Australia opened their account in this year’s Rugby Championship with a 45-20 win over Argentina that sees them pick up 0.14 of a rating point in the World Rugby Rankings.
The Wallabies remain in fifth position, on 84.19 points- 1.2 behind nearest rivals Ireland, while Argentina are still ranked ninth with 77.86 – more than four points clear of Japan who make up the world’s top 10.
An opportunist try from scrum-half Martin Landajo saw Argentina lead 13-10 at half-time at the GIO Stadium in Canberra but the Wallabies stormed back to win well, Israel Folau dotting down twice with their other tries coming from Sekope Kepu, Will Genia, Nick Phipps and Jordan Uelese.
Elsewhere, test rugby returned to Albany with a bang as South Africa were put to the sword by hosts New Zealand. Never has any Springbok side been beaten by so many points by the three-time world champions.
Beauden Barrett put last week's missed kicks against Argentina behind him to nail seven of his eight conversion attempts and a penalty. Nehe Milner-Skudder bagged two of the All Blacks' eight tries while the others went to Reiko Ioane, Barrett’s brother Scott, Brodie Retallick, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Lima Sopoaga and Codie Taylor.
The result did not affect either side’s ranking as the All Blacks started the day 9.4 points better off than their opponents and were expected to win. Not even the most optimistic of All Blacks fans would have expected them to win by so many though.