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Alex Chapman: Viva Los Pumas, Black Ferns Concerns & Remarkable RTS
Alex Chapman • August 25th, 2025 10:41 am
Argentina | Photo: Photosport
Let me share a message I sent some mates with around 20 minutes left in the second Test between the All Blacks and Argentina, because I think it reflects the feelings and shares the sentiments of many:
"WTF is happening?”
That’s not to say the 29-23 loss in Buenos Aires should be a massive surprise, especially given the men in black have now lost four of their last 12 Tests against the South Americans. But it was more the way that toppling transpired.
Once again, discipline blighted their performance and, once again, players were sent to the naughty chair. There have now been 43 cardings of All Blacks players this decade and seven already this year.
Some are dirty, some are dumb, either way, they refuse to learn and fix their failings on that front.
Alongside the 15 turnovers conceded is the most concerning stat - a whopping 40 tackles. That's 15 more than their previous worst, which came last week 700 kilometres away.
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The expectation was that they’d build on the comfortable win in Cordoba, but it was more like one step forwards, two steps backwards. The Pumas feasted on mistakes and played their own style of high-tempo and dynamic game that the All Blacks have teased but have yet to display.
Instead, they had just one line break and - yet again - failed to win aerial contests you’d usually expect their spitfires to claim.
Their attack was stifled, disjointed and lacked the polish and accuracy you’d usually expect from plays that have been rehearsed religiously. Instead, they looked like they’d been handed the script on the day. That resulted in running for just 154 post-contact metres and only one line break.
The numbers all point to one aspect though; they just weren’t good enough. It was hardly the performance that says “bring on the Boks”.
That’s not to say the baby needs to be thrown out with the bathwater, but the rubber duck has at least been biffed.
Nervous yet, All Blacks fans?
A Dampened Black Ferns Win
It was a solid start to their title defence from the reigning world champions, after what was an inaccurate first few minutes against Spain.
There were clear signs of Allan Bunting’s desire to play with intent, as was shown by Jorja Miller exhibiting the style and skill that has her talked about in the same breath as the best in the world. She’s going to carve up in this tournament.
They were tested in ways they may not have wanted to be, but could prove beneficial, most-notably finishing the game with 13 players due to injuries. Ayesha Leti- I’iga and Amy du Plessis will be under injury clouds, while the outpouring of heartbreaking emotions suggests Kaipo Olsen-Baker could be out for a while.
It both is and isn’t how they would’ve wanted their World Cup to begin.
Ripping Ranfurly Shield
If ever there was proof of what that Log o’ Wood still means, just go back and look at the reaction of the Mooloo men as the siren sounded in New Plymouth.
Don't zone in on their skipper, the youngsters, those who may have won the Ranfurly Shield before or others for the first time, but specifically two of their old guard.
Aaron Cruden’s jumping around with the same teenage exuberance and elation from when he debuted 17 years ago for Manawatu, before he spies his fellow veteran, running over to embrace Lima Sopoaga, who is pointing to his head with his forefinger mirroring the celebration of English footballer Marcus Rashford.
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For all that the two former All Blacks first-fives have achieved in their careers, whether it at franchise or international level, here or offshore, this must rank up there for magical moments.
A lot has to align to get a crack at a Ranfurly Shield challenge, even more so to win one. And when the ball fell off the tee before his match-winning penalty, Sopoaga must’ve feared their chances had fallen away with it.
But even as referee Angus Mabey gave him the 15, and then 10-second warning, while it was rushed, there was still a feeling of composure about the way he approached the ball before slotting it over.
If ever there’s someone you want in those moments, it’s someone like Sopoaga, who’s just as hungry as everyone else to taste Shield success.
Wahs Win Again
It was hardly a statement victory, exemplified by their falling away in the last 20 minute, but given what’s happened over the last couple of months, any win is a positive for the Warriors.
What will give them confidence is the fact it came against a bogey team who had piled big numbers on them in the past, while some players showed individual brilliance.
If he’s not the Warriors' best, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is at least in the conversation. He regularly runs for over 200 metres (245m vs the Titans) and if he’s not scoring tries, he’s either setting them up or creating space for others to.
Meanwhile, Chanel Harris-Tavita had arguably his best game of the season, with his kicking threat on point as he controlled the game at his tempo. That coincided with the best combined performance as a halves-pairing with Tanah Boyd.
It was a win built on strong kick-chase (which helped with Tuivasa-Sheck's impact), an improved goal line defence and, crucially, sees them refastened in fourth on the NRL ladder, with two regular season matches to come - their destiny still in their own hands.
But they now face a Parramatta side who just plucked the Chooks, and have arguably the best half in the comp (when he’s on at least). It’s hardly a lay down misère.
Melbourne still seem like the team to beat but I’ll tell you what, the milk is now being drunk after that marvellous, mad, 'Miracle in Mudgee'.
Tune into Alex Chapman on Sport Nation Mornings, 9am to midday on Thursdays & Fridays.
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