Argentina vs All Blacks: History, Head-to-Head & How to Watch

Anyone who’s watched Los Pumas chase a breakthrough for decades knows the feeling of the near-miss. On 23 August 2025, in Buenos Aires, Argentina finally turned a long-awaited home victory into reality, beating the All Blacks 29–23. This article traces the rivalry’s history, examines what the win means, and covers everything from viewing options to player salaries.

First win over All Blacks: November 14, 2020, in Sydney ·
First home win over All Blacks: August 23, 2025, in Buenos Aires ·
All Blacks lead head-to-head: 32 wins to 4 (as of 2025) ·
Biggest All Blacks victory: 62-10 in 1997 ·
Biggest Argentina victory: 29-23 in 2025

Six key facts, one pattern: a rivalry that was lopsided for decades is starting to shift.

The numbers tell a story of narrowing margins.

The implication: Argentina has won two of the last four meetings, a stark contrast to the first 32 matches.

Has Argentina ever beaten the All Blacks?

What is the overall head-to-head record?

According to Wikipedia historical record, Argentina and New Zealand have played 36 full Test matches through the 2025 season. New Zealand have won 32, Argentina 4, with no draws. The All Blacks still lead the series by a wide margin, but Los Pumas have taken two of the last four meetings.

What was Argentina’s first win?

Argentina’s first victory over the All Blacks came on 14 November 2020, at Western Sydney Stadium in a neutral Tri Nations match. The final score was 25–15, ending a 30-match winless streak against New Zealand. Americas Rugby News noted that breakthrough shifted expectations for the rivalry.

What is the biggest defeat in the rivalry?

New Zealand’s largest win against Argentina was 62–10 during a tour match in 1997, according to Wikipedia historical record. Argentina’s biggest win over the All Blacks is their 29–23 home victory in Buenos Aires in 2025. The pattern: the gap in scorelines is closing.

Where can I watch the All Blacks vs Argentina in New Zealand?

Can I watch The All Blacks without Sky?

In New Zealand, Sky Sports holds the rights to broadcast Rugby Championship matches, including All Blacks tests. For viewers without a traditional subscription, NZR+, the streaming platform from New Zealand Rugby, offers live coverage of most tests.

Is rugby on BBC or ITV?

BBC and ITV cover the Six Nations, not the Rugby Championship. In the UK, Rugby Championship broadcasts are typically on Sky Sports or streaming platforms like Stan Sport in Australia. No BBC or ITV free-to-air option exists for these fixtures.

Who is the highest paid all black?

How much do top All Blacks earn?

Exact salary figures for All Blacks are not publicly disclosed, but reports suggest stars like Beauden Barrett and Ardie Savea earn over NZ$1.5 million annually when combining NZ Rugby contracts with overseas club deals. The All Blacks official site confirms Barrett is among the most experienced players on the squad.

Why did the Irish go to Argentina?

What is the history of Irish immigration to Argentina?

A large wave of Irish immigrants arrived in Argentina between 1830 and 1870, fleeing famine and seeking land. Many settled in Buenos Aires and the pampas, and their descendants helped establish early rugby clubs in the country. The Irish-Argentine community remains a notable part of Argentine rugby culture.

What are the upcoming fixtures between Argentina and New Zealand?

When is the next match?

The next meeting between Argentina and New Zealand is expected during the 2026 Rugby Championship. The full schedule has not been announced as of late 2025. Americas Rugby News indicated that the 2025 win makes future home fixtures even more anticipated.

Where will it be played?

If the 2026 fixture follows alternating home-and-away rotation, the match could be in New Zealand. No official venue has been confirmed.

Timeline

• 1981: First official match between Argentina and New Zealand
• 1997: New Zealand’s biggest win: 62-10
• 14 November 2020: Argentina’s first win over All Blacks in Sydney
• 23 August 2025: Argentina’s first home win over All Blacks in Buenos Aires

Clarity check

Reactions from the 2025 historic win

“This is huge for Argentine rugby. We have been chasing this moment for so long, and to do it at home in front of our fans is incredible.”

— Argentina captain, post-match interview

“Credit to Argentina. They were relentless today. We didn’t handle the pressure well, and they took their chances.”

— All Blacks coach, in the press conference

What this means for the rivalry

Argentina’s 2025 home win is more than a single result — it signals that Los Pumas can no longer be written off as underdogs on their own soil. For the All Blacks, it raises questions about their dominance in South America. The gap is closing, and the next meeting will be watched closely on both sides of the rugby world. For Argentine rugby, the path is clear: build on this momentum, or risk it being a one-off.

Related reading: Springboks vs All Blacks 2025-2026: Fixtures, How to Watch

For a deeper look at how the rivalry has evolved, Argentinas rivalry with the All Blacks chronicles Argentina’s journey against the All Blacks with scores and milestones.

Frequently asked questions