The fourth day of The Rugby Championship concluded this evening with Argentina and Australia taking to the field. At stake was the honor, but also the goal of not mathematically closing the tournament, remaining in the race behind a South Africa that now seems to have the title in its pocket. Here’s how it went.
Ready, go and after two minutes an Australian foul sends Benetton Treviso player Albornoz to the tee and Argentina ahead 3-0. But it only takes a couple more minutes before Argentina returns the favor. Unclosed tackle and from the tee Donaldson ties the score. Australia insists, and in the 18th minute finds the first try of the match, with a pick&go that is concluded by Tizzano with the 3-10 goal.
Australia continues to push and at 22′ Donaldson returns to the pitch and extends the lead to 3-13. Australia tries to escape, now making the game and at 28′ finds the second try of the match. This time it is Kellaway who is freed for the run that makes it 3-20.. And when the match seemed to be on track, Argentina gave a strong sign of life and shortly after the Wallabies scored Pumas score a goal, with Carreras smashing between the posts for 10-20. And before the deadline comes also Montoya’s try sends the teams to the break at 17-20.
The script has changed and the second half confirms that Australia has run out of gas. At 49′ Gonzalez scores the overtaking try for 24-20. The Pumas insist, with the Wallabies suffering and at the hour mark Matera goes further for the Argentine escape on 31-20. Australia does not have the strength to respond and shortly after Albornoz extends from the spot, while at 68′ the match is virtually over with Oviedo crushes and Argentina runs away on 41-20. A proud reaction from the Wallabies, with McDermott’s try, but it’s too late now and Mallia’s goal in the 70th minute extinguishes the hopes of a comeback and Argentina goes to 46-27. And before the end comes Mallia’s encore, Oviedo’s and Cinti’s goal set the final score at 67-27.
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