Argentina pulled off one of the great shocks in ten years of the World Rugby Classic last night when they beat defending champions the All Blacks in a game of frantic rugby and, at times, raw emotion.

And, if anything, the scoreline flattered the Kiwis, who grabbed two scores in the last five minutes, one a penalty try. The holders, in truth, could have won it in the end, but in the spirit of their performances over the years, they refused to try to convert any of their tries or kick for goal when awarded a penalty. The Pumas, however, saw things differently, and leading 14-5 midway through the second half, scored from a penalty 20 yards out through captain Rafael Madero which proved to be the crucial score.

All Blacks skipper Andy Haden was obviously displeased by the different outlooks of the two sides, saying afterwards: "We can take our losses, but we like to lose in good style, running the ball. I don't think you should be kicking for goal in this tournament -- we've said that for ten years.'' Asked what he thought of Argentina's performance, he added: "Their defence was very good. But they were penalised, what, 50 times. Is that a good sign?'' But the Pumas' fly-half Sebastian Salvat countered: "I respect their philosophy, but I think they should respect ours. If they don't want to kick their tries that is their choice and I really respect them. But we play rugby and we kick our tries and we kick our penalties.'' "We knew New Zealand were the favourites -- they are a great team with great players -- but we knew we had a chance, we were well trained and we played a good game against Canada, so we did our best and luckily won the game.'' In truth, though, luck barely entered into it. Argentina defended stoutly for the first quarter of an hour, containing their powerful opponents, before showing their running skills with two tries in ten minutes, both converted, from Alejendro Scolni and Mario Garosa.

Buck Shelford went over to reduce arrears shortly before half-time and 12 minutes into the second half Madero slotted the controversial penalty inches inside the left-hand post.

New Zealand were unable to put a decent move together, but with five minutes remaining, force of will as much as anything took them to within a foot of the line and a penalty try was awarded for an infringement.

Wing Terry Wright went over in the corner as the Argentinian replacements swarmed onto the line pleading with the referee to blow for time, but their side showed enough heart to hang on to make it through to Saturday's final.

Earlier, Team America outclassed Canada 27-12 to become unofficial North American champions. Mike Engelbrecht scored a hat-trick of tries and Inoke Yalimaiwai two, while Jim Halverson and Chris Whittaker replied for Canada.