Argentina took revenge for their first test loss to Australia a week ago when they completely outplayed a fumbling Australian in the second Rugby Championship match at the Bicentennial Stadium in San Juan tonight. Argentina scored seven tries to the two of Australia to comprehensively beat the Aussies 48-17.
Argentina outscored Australia by four tries to one, in a half where defence was not a priority by either team. An all-out attacking mindset by both teams willing to attack from anywhere and everywhere. The Aussies' mistakes under pressure allowed Argentina to score almost at will off the errors of Australia.
The second half was played at a much slower pace with both teams seemingly accepting the result. Argentina added two tries during the last five minutes of the match, deserving this great win.
00:59 Juan Imhoffscored Argentina's first try after Australia's defence could not handle the early pressure. (07-00)
05:34 Thomas Gallo bulldozed his way over the tryline in a scintillating start by the hosts. (14-00)
11:23 Australia responded with a great James Slipper try after great handling by several players on their way to the tryline. (14-07)
16:18 James O’Connor converted a penalty for Australia. (14-10)
20:00 A brilliant start by Argentina gave them an early lead of 14-00 after just five minutes in the first half. Thereafter, Australia took control of the match score ten unanswered point to trail with only four points at the end of the first quarter.
23:52 Jerónimo de la Fuente cut the defence of Australia in half to score a great individual try beating several defenders on his way to score. (21-10)
30:47 González Samso collected a bouncing ball which Australia could not control a up-and-under to stroll over for Argentina's fourth and bonus-point try. (26-10)
40:00 Argentina outscored Australia by four tries to one, in a half where defence was not a priority by either team. An all-out attacking mindset by both teams willing to attack from anywhere and everywhere. The Aussies' mistakes under pressure allowed Argentina to score almost at will off the errors of Australia.
53:37 Emiliano Boffelli converted a first penalty for Argentina. (29-10)
60:00 The match has lost most of its excitement with a converted penalty the only points scored in the third quarter.
63:09 A 20-meter maul gave Argentina front-foot ball from which they used to attack with Thomas Gallo going over for his second try of the match next to the posts. (36-10)
66:22 Len Ikitau scored Australia's second try. (36-17)
77:32 Emiliano Boffelli scored Argentina's sixth try after he collected a great grubber. (41-17)
81:19 Tomas Albornoz collected a great grubber to go over for Argentina's seventh try. (48-17)
Scorers:
Argentina: Tries: Juan Imhoff, Thomas Gallo (2), Jerónimo de la Fuente, González Samso, Emiliano Boffelli, Tomas Albornoz. Conversions: Emiliano Boffelli (5). Penalty: Emiliano Boffelli.
Australia: Tries: James Slipper, Len Ikitau. Conversions: James O’Connor (2). Penalty: James O’Connor
Teams:
Argentina: 15 Juan Cruz Mallía, 14 Emiliano Boffelli, 13 Matias Orlando, 12 Jerónimo de la Fuente, 11 Juan Imhoff, 10 Santiago Carreras, 9 Gonzalo Bertranou,, 8 Pablo Matera, 7 Marcos Kremer, 6 Juan Martín González Samso, 5 Tomás Lavanini, 4 Matías Alemanno, 3 Francisco Gómez Kodela, 2 Julian Montoya (captain), 1 Thomas Gallo. Replacements: 16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 18 Joel Sclavi, 19 Facundo Isa, 20 Rodrigo Bruni, 21 Tomas Cubeli, 22 Tomas Albornoz, 23 Lucio Cinti
Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Jordan Petaia, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Lalakai Foketi, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Nic White, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Jed Holloway, 5 Darcy Swain, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Lachlan Lonergan, 1 James Slipper (c). Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Matt Gibbon, 18 Pone Fa’amausili, 19 Nick Frost, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Irae Simone, 23 Reece Hodge.