Australia suffered their heaviest Test defeat to date at the hands of Argentina on Saturday night. The hosts overturned a 17-point deficit to beat the Wallabies 67–27. 

The Pumas’ 40-point winning margin surpasses the Wallabies’ previous 61-22 record defeat by South Africa in 1997. Australia had a strong start and were 20-3 up after 30 minutes thanks to tries by Carlo Tizzano and Andrew Kellaway.

Argentina taught Australia a rugby lesson. Photo: Facebook

But Los Pumas bounced back immediately to score two tries of their own in the last 10 minutes of the half, courtesy of winger Mateo Carreras and hooker Julian Montoya, taking the score to 20–17.

Argentina came out guns blazing in the second half. Their relentless onslaught resulted in a try for Juan Martin Gonzalez – giving the hosts the lead for the first time in the match. Shortly after, Matera went over for his second try and a smart turnover a few minutes later allowed Joaquin Oviedo to score under the posts.

Tate McDermott briefly hit back for the Wallabies in the 69th minute, but fullback Juan Mallia scored tries in the 72nd and 76th minute. Oviedo went over the line a second time and with the last attack of the match, centre Lucio Cinto scampered over.

Argentina against Australia on Saturday. Photo: X

Thanks to this win the Pumas, who also beat New Zealand in Wellington on 10 August, are now second on the table. 

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger