Angus Bell scored a dramatic winning try six minutes after the final hooter as Australia overturned a 21-7 half-time deficit at home to Argentina to beat the Pumas 28-24 in the Rugby Championship.
Juan Cruz Mallia had put Argentina 24-21 up with a penalty in the 79th minute but, after the Wallabies turned down three opportunities to level with their own kick, prop Bell went over the line.
Later on Saturday, New Zealand extended their unbeaten run at Eden Park to 51 matches over 31 years as they beat world champions South Africa 24-17.
Australia captain Harry Wilson was understandably proud of his side’s courage in fighting back to beat Argentina.
“Full credit to the team, we could have gone for goal there and taken the draw,” said Wilson, whose side recovered from 22-5 down to beat South Africa 38-22 last month.
“Everyone believed that we could finish the job. And if the boys want to win a game, we may as well back them.
“[I’m] proud of the boys, we weren’t at our best, but to find a way to get a win against such high-quality opposition is a real credit to them.”
The Pumas had travelled to Townsville in north Queensland on the back of a first home win against New Zealand in their previous game.
And, despite a Nic White try for Australia, they went 21-7 up with the help of Bautista Delguy and Mateo Carreras tries, along with three penalties from Santi Carreras.
Two tries from Joseph Suaalii hauled Australia level at 21-21 before the late drama earned the hosts victory.
“It was far from a good performance,” said Pumas skipper Julian Montoya.
“Congrats to Australia, they took their opportunities. But in the second half, we gave away a lot of penalties that we can control, like offside, and then we gave them position pretty easy.”
