Argentina overturned a 17-point deficit to deliver a crushing 67-27 defeat to Australia in the Rugby Championship, marking the Wallabies’ heaviest Test loss to date.
The Pumas’ 40-point winning margin surpasses Australia’s previous record defeat of 61-22 against South Africa in 1997. After ending their eight-game losing streak with a late victory in Argentina the previous week, Australia started strong, leading 20-3 in the first half before the hosts rallied.
Argentina’s offensive display was relentless, with the team scoring nine tries in total. Marcos Kremer’s earlier try was disallowed due to a penalty, but Mateo Carreras opened the scoring for the Pumas, with Julian Montoya marking his 100th cap by adding another try.
Juan Martin Gonzalez wrestled through for another score, and Argentina quickly gained control with a series of dominant plays. After taking the lead, they continued to pressure the Wallabies, with Joaquín Oviedo diving under the posts to extend their advantage.
Australia did manage a consolation try from Tate McDermott, but their efforts were overshadowed by the Argentine onslaught. The match finished with Argentina sealing their status as serious contenders, while Australia now finds themselves firmly at the bottom of the table.
Line-ups:
Argentina: Mallia; Delguy, Cinti, Chocobares, Carreras; Albornoz, Bertranou; Gallo, Montoya, Sclavi, Pagadizabal, Lavanini, Matera, Kremer, Gonzalez.
Replacements: Ruiz, Vivas, Bello, Molina, Oviedo, Grondona, Garcia, Carreras.
Australia: Kellaway; Jorgensen, Ikitau, Stewart, Koroibete; Donaldson, Gordon; Bell, Faessler, Tupou, Frost, Williams, Valetini, Tizzano, Wilson.
Replacements: Nasser, Slipper, Alaalatoa, Canham, Gleeson, McDermott, Lynagh, Flook.
Credit: BBC Sport
