Hodge double lifts Wallabies

Two tries to wing Reece Hodge have helped the Wallabies ended the Rugby Championship with their second win of the tournament

Australia beat Argentina 37-20 in Mendoza yesterday to back up a 45-20 win over the Pumas in Australia.

The five-try bonus point victory allowed Michael Hooper’s Wallabies to pip South Africa for second place - still 13 points behind the unbeaten All Blacks.

‘‘The Argentinians turned up for a really big arm wrestle, in particular in that first half,’’ Hooper said.

‘‘Even up ‘til that 60-minute mark there, it was a really hard game to play.

‘‘It was a hard travel schedule we have so I’m really proud for a young team that we have been able to grow and to get the win here tonight.’’

The two teams were locked at 13-13 at halftime after the Wallabies shot out to a 8-0 lead following a penalty to Bernard Foley and a try to wing Marika Koroibete.

But Argentina struck back to 8-7 four minutes later after stringing together eight phases, resulting in Matias Alemanno grounding the ball at the base of the post.

Nicolas Sanchez slotted a penalty for a 10-8 lead but Australia responded with their second try of the game, to Hodge after he was picked out by a perfect pass from halfback Will Genia.

Foley, who had a patchy day with the boot, missed the conversion, which allowed Sanchez to tie the score at 13-13 with his third penalty of the game.

The Estadio Malvinas crowd were on their feet when Joaquin Tuculet seemed to have scored on the halftime hooter after Sanchez’ searing break.

But the try was disallowed after video replays revealed Sanchez had knocked the ball on before scooping it and setting off at speed.

The second half remained deadlocked until Foley stepped a flanker to score after a wellworked set piece. Foley’s conversion gave Australia a 20-13 lead.

But Gonzalez Iglesias barged over for a try for the Pumas after a 5m scrum to lock it up at 20-20.

Australia dominated thereafter as Argentina suffered their traditional final quarter fade.

Genia galloped over for his fourth try of 2017 after fine approach work by captain Michael Hooper and Hodge.

Hodge, who had earlier been denied a second try after a forward pass, completed the double near the end.

Argentina were down to 14 men for a 10-minute spell in the second half after lock Marcos Kremer collected a yellow card.

The Pumas, despite the best efforts of captain Agustin Creevy, finished the tournament with six consecutive defeats, failing to get even a bonus point.

Michael Cheika’s men finished the tournament with two wins, two draws against the Springboks and two losses to the All Blacks. Asked to clock-in with 32 minutes left. Made nine tackles, worked away in his usual diligent fashion. Secured the crucial turnover on the hooter to stifle a late rally by the Boks and ensure they didn’t steal that game. That act at the ruck – legal or otherwise – was vital. Would have been happy to take a brush to the head by Damian de Allende, which resulted in a red card for the Springbok. It was a yellow at best. That wasn’t Sopoaga’s problem. He kicked the penalty to make the game safe, having missed the earlier drop goal attempt. A decent 47-minute effort. Came on after halftime as a replacement for the injured Nehe Milner-Skudder. Slotted into fullback. Set up the try for McKenzie by scuttling past a couple of defenders and then flipping a one-handed offload. A talent.