Australia stage dramatic comeback to beat Argentina
Australia came back from 22-5 to beat South Africa last month
- Published
Australia 28 (7)
Tries: White, Suaalii 2, Bell Cons: Lynagh 2, O'Connor 2
Argentina 24 (21)
Tries: Delguy, Carreras Con: Carreras Pens: Carreras 3, Mallia
Angus Bell scored a dramatic winning try six minutes after the final hooter as Australia overturned a 21-7 half-time deficit at home to Argentina to beat the Pumas 28-24 in the Rugby Championship.
Juan Cruz Mallia had put Argentina 24-21 up with a penalty in the 79th minute but, after the Wallabies turned down three opportunities to level with their own kick, prop Bell went over the line.
Later on Saturday, New Zealand extended their unbeaten run at Eden Park to 51 matches over 31 years as they beat world champions South Africa 24-17.
Australia captain Harry Wilson was understandably proud of his side's courage in fighting back to beat Argentina.
"Full credit to the team, we could have gone for goal there and taken the draw," said Wilson, whose side recovered from 22-5 down to beat South Africa 38-22 last month.
"Everyone believed that we could finish the job. And if the boys want to win a game, we may as well back them.
"[I'm] proud of the boys, we weren't at our best, but to find a way to get a win against such high-quality opposition is a real credit to them."
The Pumas had travelled to Townsville in north Queensland on the back of a first home win against New Zealand in their previous game.
And, despite a Nic White try for Australia, they went 21-7 up with the help of Bautista Delguy and Mateo Carreras tries, along with three penalties from Santi Carreras.
Two tries from Joseph Suaalii hauled Australia level at 21-21 before the late drama earned the hosts victory.
"It was far from a good performance," said Pumas skipper Julian Montoya.
"Congrats to Australia, they took their opportunities. But in the second half, we gave away a lot of penalties that we can control, like offside, and then we gave them position pretty easy."
All Blacks earn 'gutsy' win against South Africa
New Zealand 24 (14)
Tries: Narawa, Jordan, Tupaea Cons: Barrett, McKenzie 2 Pen: McKenzie
South Africa 17 (3)
Tries: Marx, Reinach Cons: Feinberg-Mngomezulu 2 Pen: Pollard
New Zealand bounced back from their defeat by Argentina to beat world champions South Africa 24-17 and extend their remarkable unbeaten record at Auckland's Eden Park to 51 matches.
Converted tries from Emoni Narawa and Will Jordan put the hosts 14-0 in front before the Springboks got on the scoreboard through a Handre Pollard penalty.
After the break, a Damian McKenzie penalty extended the All Blacks lead and, while Malcolm Marx went over the line for South Africa, the hosts pulled away with a Quinn Tupaea try.
A Cobus Reinach try got the visitors within a converted score of their opponents but New Zealand held on for the win.
"It was a gutsy performance, I'm just proud of the boys, we knew the Springboks were going to come here and give it to us," said Ardie Savea, who was playing in his 100th Test for the All Blacks.
"I'm just proud of the way the boys turned up and fronted up."
New Zealand lead the Rugby Championship with 10 points. Australia are second on nine points, with South Africa third and Argentina fourth, with both on five points.