New Zealand 33 Argentina 10: All Blacks’ composure lauded by Henry after defeat of Pumas

New Zealand head coach Graham Henry expressed satisfaction on reaching the Rugby World Cup semi-finals despite an unconvincing quarter-final win over Argentina in Auckland.

Tries from Kieran Read and Brad Thorn, seven penalties from Piri Weepu and Aaron Cruden’s conversion earned the All Blacks the win which set up a last-four encounter with rivals Australia.

But the scoreline was not a true reflection of the game as New Zealand struggled to break down the resilient Pumas, who scored through Julio Farias’s converted try and Marcelo Bosch’s penalty.

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The All Blacks began the tournament as favourites to end their 24-year wait for World Cup glory, but the Wallabies, Wales and France will have seen little to fear at Eden Park on Saturday.

Four years ago New Zealand were upset in the last eight by France, but now they are in the last four and within 80 minutes of a place in the World Cup final on home soil.

Asked if he was happy with the performance, Henry said: “Very happy. I’ve never been to a semi-final before. It’s amazing, great.

“I was pleased with the game. I thought it was a tough old game of football and I thought both sides played particularly well.

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“I was pleased with the composure of our fellas. They were under a lot of pressure at times and kept their heads.

“Quarter-finals are always tough games. I’m sure we’ll be better for that particular game.”

Next up are Australia, but Henry is yet to turn his attentions to the Wallabies.

He said: “Next week’s another game. We’ll concentrate on doing that properly during the week and hopefully playing very well.”

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It took the All Blacks until the 68th minute to score a try when No 8 Read crossed in the corner after the Pumas survived 10 minutes with 14 men following scrum-half Nicolas Vergallo’s sin-binning.

Henry added: “It was a tough old game and the Argentinian boys played particularly well.

“I think they deserve a lot of credit. We tried very hard to score those tries and they came in the end.”

Argentina disrupted the All Blacks’ rhythm throughout and the hosts must find a fly-half to orchestrate the back line in injured No 10 Dan Carter’s absence.

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The fact Weepu’s boot was decisive will be a concern, while injuries are also beginning to take their toll.

Mils Muliaina’s 100th Test appearance lasted only 40 minutes as he was replaced at half-time, while Colin Slade, selected to deputise for Carter, had to be replaced in the first half.

Henry could not reveal more on the injury.

Henry said: “Colin’s definitely got a groin (injury). I’m not quite sure what that’s going to take to come right.

“I think Mils has got a pretty serious shoulder injury. I think he might be in a bit of trouble.”

Argentina head coach Santiago Phelan said: “Even though it hurts that we lost the team performed very well for large periods of the game.”

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