RWC 2015 Throwback: Smith and Cane ensure All Blacks survive Argentina scare

20 September 2015 New Zealand survived a scare at the Rugby World Cup thanks to two late tries as they beat Argentina 26-16.

Defending Rugby World Cup champions New Zealand were made to toil by Argentina before sealing a 26-16 victory at Wembley thanks to late tries from Aaron Smith and Sam Cane.

In front of a record World Cup crowd of 89,019, the All Blacks struggled to get their game flowing but a late surge ensured they collected four Pool C points.

Early kicks from Dan Carter looked to have set the tone for proceedings but a lack of discipline saw Richie McCaw and Conrad Smith sent to the sin bin before half time.

Guido Petti crossed for the only try of the first half and Argentina pushed on with their advantage thanks to the boot of Nicolas Sanchez - the Pumas leading 16-12 early in the second half.

Any worries within the All Blacks camp were extinguished midway through the second period, though, as a tired Argentina were punished by their ruthless opponents.

Aaron Smith scored the first New Zealand try of the competition to restore their lead, before Cane secured the win with his ninth international touchdown.

Early pressure from the All Blacks saw Argentina buckle as errors cost them three early penalties, Carter slotting them all between the posts.

However, the Pumas settled into their rhythm, despite being a man down after Pablo Matera's yellow card, and they cut the deficit midway through the half as Petti scored the game's first try.

A break from hooker Agustin Creevy was halted just short of the All Blacks line, they quickly recycled the ball and Petti was able to lunge over the whitewash.

Sanchez added the extras and Argentina were soon the side with a man advantage as Matera returned and McCaw was shown yellow for a crude trip.

The latter's error saw Sanchez kick another three points and, after a spell of intense pressure from the Pumas, the fly-half was on the spot again to move his side 13-9 ahead.

Carter ensured Argentina's advantage was only one at the break with his fourth kick, but soon after the restart Sanchez had restored their cushion.

All Blacks replacement Sonny Bill Williams almost created a try for Nehe Milner-Skudder early in the second half, but the latter was unable to collect his team-mate's superb pass with the line open.

As the hour approached, Smith finally relieved some of the tension as he danced through to score, the scrum-half picking up at the breakdown after a series of strong drives from his pack.

Finally the All Blacks began to assert some control as their opponents started to tire and, after another spell of pressure, they worked an overlap that saw Cane score under the posts.

Carter made no mistake with the conversion and New Zealand were able to coast to the final whistle, safe in the knowledge their campaign would begin with a victory.