Argentina give Australia a scare while the All Blacks march on

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Argentina once again showed that they truly belong in this Rugby Championship as they scared the life out of Australia despite eventually losing by 23-19.

It is beginning to feel almost patronising to complement this Argentina side on their ‘brave defeats’; such has been their competitiveness in this competition.

In all honesty Argentina should have won this game, they were 19-6 up with just twenty minutes left to play. That Australia managed to turn it around, with try’s from Pat McCabe and Digby Ioane, will have hurt the Pumas.

It was as remarkable comeback though, showing a mental strength and will to win from the Wallabies that have perhaps been seemingly absent in recent weeks.

That attitude will have helped soften the mood of Robbie Deans, but he will be furious with the hour of play beforehand, where the Aussies were simply not up to it. If they continue to play like that then the Lions will be licking their chops ahead of the tour.

In fairness though, any side missing David Pockock, Will Genia and James Horwill is going to suffer a dip in performance.

In the other game, New Zealand beat South Africa 22-11 in a game packed with magnificent scores.

South Africa were desperate for a win after they have come in for some heavy criticism of their style of play following a draw with Argentina and a defeat to the Wallabies. Defeat to the All Blacks means they will be without an away win in the tournament.

In truth though this was a very strong South African performance, capped by a memorable try from returning winger Bryan Habana. He broke clear from a lineout move before chipping Savea and collecting the ball to score.

The All Blacks though are not world champions for nothing and scored a beauty from scrum half Smith, before drawing further ahead though penalties, to add to their first half score from Dagg.

It looks like a procession to the title now for the All Blacks, who have looked a far better side than the competition. They travel to Argentina in the next round while Australia travel to South Africa.

It may not have been a vintage tournament so far, but with the All Blacks looking imperious, and Argentina proving their quality, it has certainly been a tournament that has created a lot of interest.

SHARING IS CARING!
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