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Wallabies finish second

The four tries to two win will see the Wallabies finish second on the standings – but way behind runaway leaders New Zealand.

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In fact, the All Blacks' 30 points (six out six bonus-point wins in a flawless campaign) is more than the other three teams combined – 14 by the Wallabies, 10 by the Springboks and five by the Pumas.

Samu Kerevi scored two tries as the Australian win over a slipshod Argentina meant the Pumas were left at the bottom of the table.

This was the first Rugby Championship match played in the Northern Hemisphere and took place just over a year from Australia 29-15 World Cup semifinal win over Argentina at Twickenham.

Success meant the Wallabies tasted victory for just the third time in nine Tests since their World Cup Final defeat by New Zealand.

The Wallabies were twice reduced to 14 men in the first half – as Michael Hooper and Coleman were both given yellow cards for high tackles.

Yet they still turned round 18-8 in front.

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But early in the second half Argentina centre Jeronimo de la Fuente's converted try cut their lead to 18-15, only for centre Kerevi to score his second minutes later.Wallabies finish second

Gonzalez Iglesias's penalty reduced Australia's lead to just 25-21 with 10 minutes left, but that was as close as they got – with a Foley penalty and Dean Mumm's late intercept try extending Australia's advantage.

Australia were fortunate not to concede a second-minute try when scrumhalf Will Genia's clearance kick was charged down by Pumas No.8 Leonardo Senatore.

Gonzalez Iglesias recovered the loose ball and went over, but as the flyhalf had been in front of Senatore his 'try' was ruled out for offside by the video referee.

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A far more controversial call by English replay official Rowan Kitt in the sixth minute helped Australia take the lead.

Dane Haylett-Perry burst down the right and sent in second row Coleman.

French referee Mathieu Raynal called for replay assistance to determine if Haylett-Petty had lost possession in the tackle.

Despite pictures appearing to show wing Haylett-Petty had knocked-on, Kitt confirmed the try.

Foley's conversion and subsequent penalty gave Australia a 10-0 lead.

Gonzalez Iglesias then pulled a kickable penalty to the left of the posts.

Australia were a man down when flank Hooper was set to the sin-bin in the 17th minute for a high tackle on De la Fuente.

Argentina capitalised with a strong drive only for lock Matias Alemanno to lose control as he tried to ground the ball for a try.

But minutes later the second row did score following a drive from a close-range line-out.

Gonzalez Iglesias again missed the kick at goal.

Foley made no mistake with his second successful penalty and then, from a central position 40 metres out, Gonzalez Iglesias was off target once more.

Hooper had not long returned when Australia were again a man down, with Coleman penalised for catching scrumhalf Martin Landajo round the neck.

Yet it was Australia who scored next with a try a minute before half-time.

Argentina captain Agustin Creevy's poor line-out throw gave Australia possession on the Pumas' 22 and quick hands saw the ball worked right and then back left again before Kerevi, holding off Senatore, went over.

Foley missed the awkward conversion and there was still time for Gonzalez Iglesias, on target with his fourth attempt, to cut Australia's interval lead to 10 points.

The Pumas were back in the match in the 45th minute when a charging run by lock Pablo Matera set up a quick tap penalty from which de la Fuente, twisting through several would-be tackles went over for a fine try.

Gonzalez Iglesias converted and Australia's lead was down to three points.

But, in an open match, Argentina were themselves caught cold minutes later when centre Kerevi intercepted lock Guido Petti's loose pass for a converted try.

Gonzalez Iglesias's penalty took Argentina to within seven points and they ought to have equalised when Creevy charged forward only to knock on in sight of the posts.

Gonzalez Iglesias after a clash between Wallaby replacement Nick Phipps and the Argentina physio, and Foley exchanged penalties.

Mumm, again making the most of an Argentina mistake, then picked off Landajo's pass for a 77th minute try.

Man of the match: Joaquín Tuculet had his moments, Jerónimo De la Fuente had flashes of threatening runs, Santiago González Iglesias did well at flyhalf after being there from centre shortly before the match and Martín Landajo was inspirational. Dane Haylett-Petty is growing into his role as a threatening wing, Will Genia has regained his best form. Lopeti Timani was powerful, at times, Michael Hooper was busy and Adam Coleman is also growing into his role in the second row. However, our award goes to Samu Kerevi – not just for his two tries, but for a great all-round game.

Moment of the match: Both of Samu Kerevi's tries were crucial, but the Dean Mumm intercept try three minutes from time sealed the win for the Wallabies.

Villains: There is no doubt Michael Hooper and Adam Coleman – both of whom had fine games – could have cost their team dearly with their brain explosions. The Wallabies are also lucky the referee was so lenient – they could have had more players in the sin bin. Discipline, or rather lack of it, is a major concern for this villainous Wallaby team.

The scorers:

For Argentina:

Tries:Alemanno, De La Fuente

Cons: Iglesias

Pens: Iglesias 3

For Australia:

Tries:Coleman, Kerevi 2, Mumm'

Cons: Foley 2

Pens: Foley 3

Yellow cards: Michael Hooper (Australia, 17 – foul play, high tackle), Adam Coleman (Australia, 31 – foul play, high tackle)

Teams:

Argentina: 15 Joaquín Tuculet, 14 Matías Moroni, 13 Matías Orlando, 12 Jerónimo De la Fuente, 11 Ramiro Moyano, 10 Santiago González Iglesias, 9 Martín Landajo, 8 Leonardo Senatore, 7 Javier Ortega Desio, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Matías Alemanno, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Ramiro Herrera, 2 Agustín Creevy (captain), 1 Lucas Noguera.

Replacements: 16 Julian Montoya, 17 Santiago García Botta, 18 Enrique Pieretto, 19 Marcos Kremer, 20 Tomás Cubelli, 21 Juan Manuel Leguizamon, 22 Gabriel Ascarate, 23 Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino.

Australia: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Dane Haylett-Petty, 13 Samu Kerevi, 12 Bernard Foley, 11 Reece Hodge, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Lopeti Timani, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Dean Mumm, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Stephen Moore (captain), 1 Scott Sio.

Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Tom Robertson, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Kane Douglas, 20 Scott Fardy, 21 Leroy Houston, 22 Nick Phipps, 23 Tevita Kuridrani.

Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)

Assistant referees: JP Doyle (England), Matthew Carley (England)

TMO: Rowan Kitt (England)

Agence France-Presse & @rugby365com

Wallabies finish second

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