Rugby Championship highlights: Wallabies fight back to beat Pumas in spirited opening display

Adam Kyriacou

Australia kicked off their Rugby Championship campaign with a spirited 41-26 triumph over Argentina in Mendoza on Saturday.

With captain Michael Hooper having withdrawn from the squad on the eve of the match due to personal reasons, the Wallabies had to dig deep.

But their second-half performance was superb as they fought back to beat the Pumas in a result that puts them top of the table after Round One.

Jordan Petaia, Fraser McReight, Folau Fainga’a and Len Ikitau crossed for the visiting Wallabies side and they were also awarded a penalty try.

Reece Hodge impressed off the bench

Their other points were scored by Quade Cooper, who kicked a penalty and a conversion, and Reece Hodge, who added nine points off the tee.

Pablo Matera and Juan Martin Gonzalez scored Argentina‘s two tries and Emiliano Boffelli kicked four penalties and two conversions with ease.

Argentina led 19-10 at half-time but they were well beaten after the interval as the Wallabies turned the screw to pick up a hugely deserved win.

The two nations will meet again on Argentine soil next week in Round Two of the Rugby Championship, with the game taking place in San Juan.

READ MORE: Rugby Championship: Wallabies clinch bonus-point victory over Pumas in Mendoza