Rugby Championship: New Zealand beat Argentina 39-18

All Blacks centre Ma'a Nonu powers over for a try against Argentina in Christchurch

New Zealand eased to a 39-18 victory over Argentina in their opening Rugby Championship game in Christchurch.

Ma'a Nonu, Charles Piutau, Kieran Read and debutant Codie Taylor scored tries for the All Blacks, with Dan Carter kicking four conversions.

Worcester Warriors' hooker Agustin Creevy gained two second half line-out tries for the Pumas in Friday's match.

The sides next face each other in a World Cup Pool C match at Wembley on 20 September.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said: "Most of the game we were pretty good, but we went to sleep for ten minutes."

It was world champions New Zealand's 37th successive home win.

Australia face South Africa in the Rugby Championship in Brisbane on Saturday, with New Zealand travelling to Johannesburg to play South Africa. Argentina host Australia in Mendoza in the next round on 25 July.