Rugby Championship: Australia tame the Pumas of Argentina to gain dose of confidence

Australia 54 Argentina 17

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw poses with the Championship trophy (GETTY IMAGES)

Beleaguered Australian rugby gained a relative shot of confidence by avoiding the wooden spoon in the four-nation Rugby Championship. A 54-17 seven-try mauling of Argentina means the South Americans finish bottom of the standings.

This match was only for pride after New Zealand won the competition with a pulsating 38-27 victory over South Africa at Ellis Park on Saturday, but the Wallabies’ Isreal Folau, who scored three tries against Argentina, said: “There was always positivity within the group. It’s always hard when you’re not getting results.”

Australia play New Zealand in a fortnight in the final game of the three-match Bledisloe Cup, which New Zealand have already secured, having won the first two meetings.

Saturday’s match at Ellis Park was easily the best in the competition as the lead changed hands regularly before the All Blacks triumphed despite playing with 14 men for 20 minutes. Ritchie McCaw, their captain said: “Going behind we could easily have got flustered, but the guys hung in there.”