Wales remain second in the official world rankings after New Zealand clung on for a 20-16 victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires.
Warren Gatland's Wales would have moved to the top of them for the first time in history if the All Blacks had lost by more than 15 points in their Rugby Championship opener.
But the back to back world champions never looked like being beaten by that many although they were under the pump for much of a second half in which they failed to notch up a point.
They had been the better side in the opening 40 minutes, with lock Brodie Retallick's interception try on the stroke of half-time, converted by outside-half Beauden Barrett, giving them a 20-9 lead.
Full-back Emilliano Boffelli's try seven minutes into the second half, converted by No.10 Nicolas Sanchez, offered Argentina hope of defeating the All Blacks for the first time.
But Sanchez pushed what should have been an easy penalty wide and they made handling errors to cough up possession on a number of occasions in the New Zealand 22.
It meant Steve Hansen's side extended its 10-year-old grip on the number one spot.
