Argentina (8) 21 |
Tries: Senatore, Imhoff Con: Sanchez Penalties: Sanchez 3 |
Australia (14) 17 |
Tries: Kuridrani, Higginbotham Cons: Foley Penalty: Foley |
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Argentina came from 14-0 down to defeat Australia and earn their first win since joining the Rugby Championship.
The Wallabies struggled for discipline and had both Nick Phipps and captain Michael Hooper sin-binned in Mendoza.
Although tries from Tevita Kuridrani and Scott Higginbotham gave them an early advantage, Leonardo Senatore’s try cut the deficit before half-time.
Argentina took the lead thanks to Juan Imhoff’s converted try on 53 minutes and maintained their advantage after.
Australia’s Bernard Foley hit the post with a penalty with 10 minutes to go, although his cause was not helped by a laser pen aimed at his face as he teed up the attempt.
Nicolas Sanchez kicked a penalty with six minutes to go after Hooper was sin-binned and the Wallabies were unable to find the try they needed in the closing stages.
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The Pumas’ first win in 18 Rugby Championship matches was also their first over Australia since 1997 and ended an eight-match losing streak.
Argentina: Joaquín Tuculet; Juan Imhoff, Horacio Agulla, Juan Martín Hernandez, Luis Gonzalez Amorosino; Nicolas Sanchez, Martin Landajo; Leonardo Senatore, Benjamín Macome, Rodrigo Baez; Tomas Lavanini, Mariano Galarza; Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Agustín Creevy (capt), Marcos Ayerza
Replacements: Matías Cortese, Bruno Postiglioni, Ramiro Herrera, Matías Alemanno, Javier Ortega Desio, Tomas Cubelli, Marcelo Bosch, Jeronimo de la Fuente
Australia: Israel Folau; Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Toomua, Joe Tomane; Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Scott Higginbotham, Michael Hooper (capt), Scott Fardy; James Horwill, Sam Carter; Sekope Kepu, Saia Fainga’a, James Slipper
Replacements: Josh Mann-Rea, Benn Robinson, Ben Alexander, Will Skelton, Jake Schatz, Matt Hodgson, Nic White, Rob Horne
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wal)