Hat-trick of titles for All Blacks

New Zealand defeated Argentina 34-13 in La Plata on Saturday to clinch a third consecutive Rugby Championship title.
Ben Smith, Israel Dagg, Julian Savea and TJ Perenara scored the tries that gave the All Blacks a bonus point and an unassailable six-point advantage over South Africa.

A late try flurry earned the Springboks a 28-10 victory over Australia in Cape Town earlier on Saturday.

New Zealand have 21 points with one round remaining, South Africa 15, Australia 10 and Argentina three in the southern hemisphere championship.

Victory stretched the unbeaten run of the world champions to 22 Tests ahead of a showdown with arch rivals South Africa in Johannesburg next Saturday.

It was a special match for New Zealand skipper and flank Richie McCaw as he equalled the record of 133 All Blacks appearances set by legendary former lock Colin Meads. — Sport 24