All Blacks captain Scott Barrett says his side was “outclassed” by Argentina during their defeat in Buenos Aires this morning.

Speaking to Sky Sport after the 29-23 defeat – the Pumas’ first win over the All Blacks at home – Barrett said Argentina “showed more passion and intensity”.

“They got over the gainline, and they held the ball, and we gave away penalties,” Barrett said. “It just fed their game.

“They are a quality team and we were outclassed tonight.”

Argentina make history with win over ill-disciplined All Blacks – Watch on TVNZ+

The All Blacks had three players – Will Jordan, Tupou Vaa’i and Sevu Reece – sent to the sinbin, with Jordan and Vaa’i sent to the sideline within a minute near the end of the first half.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the All Blacks kept the score to 13-13 at halftime, but, much like they did during their loss in Cordoba last weekend, the Pumas owned the third quarter and this time there was no way back for the visitors.

Defensively it was one of the poorest performances under head coach Scott Robertson’s reign, as while the All Blacks conceded only two tries, a remarkable 40 missed tackles helped fuel the Pumas’ momentum.

Skipper Scott Barrett thought the Pumas showed greater urgency than the visitors in Buenos Aires. (Source: 1News)

With former Crusaders loose forward Pablo Matera leading the way for Argentina, the All Blacks were reduced to kicking a late penalty through Damian McKenzie to earn a losing bonus point.

The All Blacks also lost the aerial battle – a common theme this year – and there is little doubt the Springboks will seek to pursue an advantage there in Test at Eden Park a week on Saturday.

“Well done to them, and congratulations, that’s the first thing,” Robertson said.

“Yeah, that hurts. Tough.

“We practised all week, we knew it was coming, aerially. New kick-offs. That’s a good question [about execution], I am not sure I can answer it right now, why,” Robertson added.

“We want to play with a lot more care than that for Codie [Taylor], and put a show on to finish this tour. And we didn’t get that. It wasn’t what we wanted, we are going to have to look deep.”

After tries for Billy Proctor and Fletcher Newell, the All Blacks were well placed at 13-6 in the first half but, as skipper Barrett said, they could not hold on to the ball to maintain the pressure. Replacement hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho scored a late try from a lineout drive but the overall the All Blacks’ set piece was poor in the final quarter.

“I thought we showed a lot of urgency to hold them out just before halftime. But we just didn’t have enough ball … well done to the Pumas.”

“Three yellow cards, they kicked all their penalties,” Robertson said. “We fought our way back into the game but we weren’t holding the ball for long periods of time.”

“We have got a week back at home, and I am sure there will be a bit of pain within this group,” Barrett added.

“Because we have a big challenge the following week, and we certainly need to bounce. You know, carry this, and certainly get better.”