20 points: Mike Harris
Related links
Teams
Also see
Australia ended the inaugural Rugby Championship with a morale-boosting 25-19 win against Argentina in Rosario.
It wasn't pretty but one feels the Wallabies won't mind that as the success supersedes a forgetful period of injuries and off-field issues (hopefully).
What was noticeable at the final whistle was a togetherness in the squad as they celebrated their gritty victory over the passionate Pumas.
The result leaves them level on points with South Africa but they ultimately finish the tournament in second position due to their higher win count.
Conditions were difficult at the Estadio Gigante de Arroyito as the humidity was 93%, which made for an error-strewn contest particularly in the first-half.
There was also a phenomenally high penalty count blown by the match referee Craig Joubert as a total of sixteen marred the opening stanza.
Subsequently it was a half dominated by the boot of Mike Harris and Juan Martin Hernandez, with Harris slotting fifteen points to El Mago's nine.
The second-half in Rosario thankfully saw a reduction in penalty offences but what it lacked in infringements it certainly made up for in spillages, with wing Digby Ioane a regular culprit.
However, all was forgiven in the Wallaby camp when first-phase ball came back swiftly to fly-half Kurtley Beale in the 65th minute and Ioane drifted in from the left to take a pass that split the home defence for an easy run-in. It was a seven-pointer that cut the Pumas deep.
Assured Reds full-back Harris converted to give Australia a 22-12 lead that he increased eight minutes later with a penalty which lifted his personal contribution to 20 points.
Argentina set up a tense finish after Australian replacement scrum-half Brett Sheehan was sin-binned when wing Juan Imhoff claimed a pushover try that Marcelo Bosch converted.
Beale missed a late penalty, offering Argentina a chance to snatch a late win by running the ball the length of the pitch and scoring a converted try, but it was not to be as a knock-on quickly ended the move and the final whistle blew for a much-needed win for the Wallabies.
Man of the match: Mike Harris kicked well while Scott Higginbotham performed strongly when he arrived onto the field as a replacement. But for a towering defensive effort in the midfield, we go for Brumbies centre Pat McCabe. Had someone else been defending in the 12 channel then it is likely Argentina would have scored more than just their one try today.
Moment of the match: It has to be Michael Hooper's breakout from his own 22 up to the opposition's. Impressive pace from the openside as he left plenty of backs floundering.
Villain of the match: The person(s) with the laser in the crowd. It's not big, it's not clever.
The scorers:
For Argentina:
Try: Imhoff
Con: Bosch
Pen: Hernandez 3, Bosch
For Australia:
Try: Ioane
Con: Harris
Pen: Harris 6
Argentina: 15 Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino, 14 Gonzalo Camacho, 13 Marcelo Bosch, 12 Santiago Fernandez, 11 Horacio Agulla, 10 Juan Martin Hernandez, 9 Martin Landajo, 8 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (c), 7 Juan Manuel Leguizamon, 6 Julio Farias Cabello, 5 Patricio Albacete, 4 Manuel Carizza, 3 Juan Figallo, 2 Eusebio Guinazu, 1 Rodrigo Roncero.
Replacements: 16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Juan Pablo Orlandi, 18 Leonardo Senatore, 19 Tomas Leonardi, 20 Nicolas Vergallo, 21 Nicolás Sánchez, 22 Juan Imhoff.
Australia: 15 Mike Harris, 14 Nick Cummins, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Radike Samo, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Sitaleki Timani, 5 Nathan Sharpe (capt), 4 Kane Douglas, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Saia Fainga'a, 17 Benn Robinson, 18 Dave Dennis, 19 Scott Higginbotham, 20 Liam Gill, 21 Brett Sheehan, 22 Dominic Shipperley.
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Pascal Gauzere (France)
Television match official: Francisco Pastrana (Argentina)
By Adam Kyriacou
@PlanetRugbyAK
Comments
APV1 says...
An interesting game, I felt. The Pumas didn't seem to get out of 2nd gear and seemed a little turgid. It was almost as if the fire had gone. No idea why, but it felt a little flat from my perspective.
Well done, the Wallabies. They played and fought all tournament and have the result to prove it.
Laser? Again? Really?!
The Pumas "fan" should be ashamed of themself. It does them no credit and they should be sought out and sorted out. If a "friend" of mine tried to do that, they'd end up with it stuffed where lasers don't shine. Dispicable and disgraceful. Bring back booing, if this is the alternative.
@ PumasPack - no need to apologise. Real fans wouldn't accept it, so you don't have to apologise for the madness of others, kind of you, though it is.
Posted 11:22 08th October 2012
rugby_rockstar says...
Lots of talking points eh!
1, The wallabies really stood up and won fair and square,
2, Lets not go overboard about one idiot with a laser amongst 60,000 passionate but wel behaved fans. I think the only people who cound have caught the guy and stopped him would have been the fans around him or her. and who says it wasn't a school kid? The answer is to inform the public what to do if they see such behaviour, and the right thing to do is go find a steward and tell him whats going on. Finally, have a steward on each isle to help the crowd with all kinds of stuff, lost kids etc.
3, This takes nothing away from Australia's win, but there was more evidence of the old underdog syndrome in full flow during the game, with the "little fella" getting penalised and watched like a hawk while the established side gets away with the same things. come on refs, don't think of it as Argentina vs Australia. Its Blue Vs Gold. Leave your pre-conceived notions at home along with the newpaper on the breakfast table.
Nice one Oz, this bodes well for a tough Lions tour.
Posted 09:41 08th October 2012
sandal says...
Argentina need to sort out their "fans" with the lasers. In the second place, what pleasure would such people get from their interference causing their team to win? How could you feel good or proud about any victory achieved by such means?
But in the first place, if Argentina don't catch and expel their fans and their lasers they are likely to find the national team playing its home games in empty stadiums.
Posted 05:44 08th October 2012
Ferdie says...
georgesmith - I'm picking Nathan Sharpe to take over as a player/coach for the Wallabies - sure you'll approve of that one!!
Got these off another site, how often would a team get 2nd in a tournament with such a negative points difference? All over now, wonder how big a crowd will turn up for the not-the Bledisloe-Cup game in 2wks?
New Zealand: 177 points for, 66 against. 18 tries to 6. Wins 6/6
Australia: 101 points for, 137 against. 7 tries to 12. Wins 3/6
South Africa: 120 points for, 109 against. 12 tries to 10. Wins 2/6 (1 draw)
Argentina: 80 points for, 166 against. 7 tries to 16. Wins 0/6 (1 draw)
Posted 04:38 08th October 2012
sandal says...
This was not a great game, or even a good one, by any stretch of the imagination.
But Australia won so congratulations to them.
And here is a big laugh at all those observers in the northern hemisphere, in particular, who wrote off the Wallabies -- still rated in the world's top two or three. (My account at the bookies' is even healthier now.) Wishful thinking. And another big laugh to all those people, again in the northern hemisphere, who thought that Argentina would expose what they assumed was the bubble of the Tri Nations. Again, wishful thinking.
Well, the Rugby Championship has indeed made the Tri Nations even harder, requiring games home and away against any three of NZ, SA, Australia and Argentina. Compare that with a few train rides within the British Isles and short hops to and from Ireland and Italy.
Well done to all four teams, in fact. It was a big ask, and a good tournament.
Posted 04:18 08th October 2012
Craig says...
Have to say well done N Sharpe. I thought he was very ordinary in the first few TRC games and said so, so fair dues. He's responded amazingly well to the captaincy - his error rate and fouling has gone and his workrate was huge against the Argies. Well played Sharpe.
And well won Aussie, real guts there - very formidable quality. But to put some perspective on it for those saying this proves Aust have no depth issues: Argentina were worse than woeful. They were hideous. And the Wallabies made huge numbers of errors, struggled in the set piece, and showed little fluidity. I'm not bagging them - good win - but I'm wanting to make the point that Aust DOES have depth issues, and the sooner they're addressed the better for Aussie rugby. I just don't think they can sustain 5 S15 teams, and i think them trying to is doing them no favours.
And re their injuries this last 15 months or so... I won't offer an explanation, I wouldn't have a clue, but I hope there's an investigation into it and some changes made. You can't put that down to fate. No way. Something's not right somewhere, and it needs to be improved.
But well done to finish second after those injuries, the QC bollocks etc. True fighting nation, with proud players.
Posted 03:18 08th October 2012
dropkick says...
2012 may be a near write off for the Wallabies but they still have one game vs. ABs to show what they can do. If they get some pill they will be dangerous, but that is a big if without Pocock. or Genia to get it moving.
Oz have been nowhere near as bad this year than written up. Imagine ABs without half a dozen key players. Aussie have looked jittery, like headless chooks and ready to fall over in most games. That they haven't and managed to scrape together a few good wins is a testament to their pride in the jersey whoever is picked.
Finally a big gracias to Los Pumas who have shaken up this near dead tournament. What they learnt this year they will store like kumara for next season.
They've learnt just how hard it is to win in this competition, but they have been great value.
Posted 01:36 08th October 2012
Trinats2 says...
daibok:
Ioane was born in NZ to Samoan parents and they moved to Melbourne when he was 4. He is Australian and a Wallaby.Steve Moore was born in Saudi Arabia to Irish Parents, he too is an Australian and Wallaby just like everyone in the Australian team !
I was was winding up the trolls.
Posted 01:29 08th October 2012
Patagon says...
Congratulations to Aussies! They bloody deserve it, especially after all the bad press and hits they took previous to this match. Australia should be proud. Very well done Team B!
Congratulations to Los Pumas. As a rubgy fan I feel so good to watch you play with the best teams on a regular basis. I also feel I learn a lot by watching these teams closer. Thank you for the chance.
THE LASER FROM THE CROWD in Rosario:
I have commented this among a few rugby fans after the match and they believe this came from a few hard core football supporters, new to rugby crowds. This is quite likely. However, it is also likely that the laser came from a New Type of rugby supporter, one that is definitely not welcome in the stands and that the rugby authorities and organisers should think seriously about neutralising and punishing.
Previous to the match against the ABs in La Plata, there was a campaign with t-shirts, banners and on various advertisements, aimed at respecting the ABs while performing the haka. The slogan was something like:
When they perform the haka, embrace the one next to you.
I watched that match on television and it wasn¿t too bad; the crowd seemed noisier during the haka on Saturday in Soweto.
I think the organisers here in Argentina will have to maintain their campaign to educate this larger type of crowds, which unfortunately include people with little understanding of what rubgy values and what this sport is about.
Posted 00:08 08th October 2012
Patagon says...
Congratulations to Aussies! They bloody deserve it, especially after all the bad press and hits they took previous to this match. Very well done Team B! Australia should be proud.
Congratulations to Los Pumas. As a rubgy fan I feel so good to watch you play with the best teams on a regular basis. I also feel I am learning a lot by watching these teams closer. Thank you for the chance.
THE LASER FROM THE CROWD.
I have commented this among a few rugby fans after the match and they believe this came from a few hard core football supporters, new to rugby crowds. This is quite likely. However, it is also likely that the laser came from a ¿new type¿ of rugby supporter, one that is definitely not welcome in the stands and that the rugby authorities and organisers should think seriously about neutralising and punishing. Previous to last week¿s match against the ABs in La Plata, there was a campaign with t-shirts, banners and on various advertisements, aimed at respecting the ABs while performing the haka. The slogan was something like ¿When they perform the haka, embrace the one next to you¿. I watched that match on television and it wasn¿t too bad; the crowd seemed noisier during yesterday¿s haka in Soweto.
I think the organisers here in Argentina will have to maintain their campaign to educate this larger type of crowds, which unfortunately include people with little understanding of what rubgy values and what this sport is about.
Posted 23:59 07th October 2012
flyman says...
Well done Wobblies! A win is a win, against the odds and despite it being an ugly game, no thanks to Joubert.
Same number of points as the Boks on the Log, but slip to 3rd place because of points difference :-(
Posted 22:58 07th October 2012
PumasPack says...
Congrats to the Oz even with an emergency team they played a very smart game with great commitment and heart. Respect.
Pumas were again prisioners of their own mistakes, too many penalties in the first half, too many easy points given away that cost a lot, especially against the big 3 (against AB with Dan Carter was just suiside).
Apologies for the laser incident (1 idiot can appear anywhere) that was embarrassing so I hope the federation works to prevent this from happening again.
Posted 20:27 07th October 2012
nzmaoriboy says...
Very good win by the Oz boys! True test of Character as you know Argentina is not the easiest place in the world to play. Hooper is the schizzle what an international revelation he has been..would pick either him or Aaron Smith as the rookie of the series, will be a close call. Not buying into this"our second string team" business! Oz will expect to win with whom ever they have! same with us and the Saffers...your showing your insecure side if you post's tend to have a lot of "EXCUSES" written into them..I would back our 2nd-3rd-4th etc etc and thats just how it should be..he he..of course they may not win! but such is my mentality.Argentina may have realised the true test of the Southern hemisphere rugby is the fact their is know off week..every team challenges you in different ways ! this simply put is why we are usually always the top 3 teams..let see how far we manage to pull ARGY up the rankings. Cheers
Posted 19:58 07th October 2012
daibok says...
Trinats. Mehrtens was born in Durban to a NZ, diplomat family. That does not make him a Saffa. People in glass houses comes to mind.
And for what it's worth - Deans is a fine coach who has made the best of unfortunate circumstances. We would swap any day. Oh, and N Sharpe is a good captain and great player.
Posted 15:26 07th October 2012
PREEST says...
@DarkestHorses- I think Graham Henry is trying to add to the style of play, by giving them some attacking depth, as well as their strength in the rolling mauls. To play in the competition, the Pumas need to develop and expand on the way they look to play. Did you not see the amazing back line move that they produced to score against the ABs? That's henry! Did you not see all the breaks they made against Australia? Ball to hand and was the problem, dropping too many easy passes that would have lead them to score. This is their first season in the toughest rugby tournament in the world. If it were Ireland or Scotland for example, they would get thumped. They couldn't close out those games because of lack of experience and the pressure of playing the best three sides in the world, who know how to come from behind, who stayed composed in the dying stages. Credit must be given to the Pumas, it is far to early to criticise them. I too wanted them to notch up a win, and they will, but it was their first season, and I think they preformed admirably.
Posted 14:55 07th October 2012
KnockOnKing says...
Forgot to add: Should be made clear if lasers are used by fans that LP will have to play their home matches away.I support LP but it was an absolute disgrace to rugby down here.
Posted 12:57 07th October 2012
atg77 says...
Real character shown by the Aussies to go and win over there after a hammering in SA and horrific injury toll - imagine if they had their full complement of players from beginning to end. It really highlights how far out of their depth Argentina are, but they are the ones who wish to be there.
Posted 12:22 07th October 2012
rossco74 says...
Aus has the depth, this shows it. Now. Pick 30 guys and get the 2 best players in each position. Train there and if someone gets injured replace them with the second best and if necessary rotate them. All the chopping, changing and shuffling round that has been going on is ridiculous. Granted there have been a lot of injuries but the great teams have combinations and consistency.
Digby's try was great (reminded me of Wallaby tries of old) but defences have worked him out and because he doesn't have the raw speed will never go on the outside.
A winning Australian team needs real speed and ball skills on the wings.
Posted 11:08 07th October 2012
Trinats2 says...
tha_mai and brands:
For many years I watched NZ win with overseas players Merthens (SA!!) The flying Fijian to name a few !!!
Well done, you won the inaugural Rugby Championship, like you did with the inaugural WC.
lets hope it doesn't take nearly 30 years to win this one again !!!
Trader2:
Yes a big pat on the back. He did well, and used his bench well, but was he forced into it ? will see in two weeks what team he runs out (if he is still there !!!).
Posted 11:03 07th October 2012
DarkestHorse says...
Concentrating on the game itself - and I'll be criticized for this - but for me, Graham Henry has held back this team. All they want to do now is play expansively by throwing the ball wide in dangerous field positions and this is totally against the the Argentine instinct. What happened to the tenacious Puma's pack? What happened to the values that got them a third place finish at the RWC? GH may not have liked their approach to the game but it was uniquely Argentinian and got them to the position they are in today. Why abandon that philosophy? To say I'm disappointed with this team after their last two performances is an understatement and something needs to be done. They always find a way to lose: South Africa (Home), Australia (Away), Australia (Home). They will never be handed it on a more silver platter than they were on these three occassions and they blew it each and every time. Phelan, get the gameplan right again, build some mental strength and those wins will come. AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Posted 10:55 07th October 2012