Boffelli the boot kicks Pumas to famous win

FULL-back Emiliano Boffelli’s mighty boot helped the Pumas strike it lucky on the Gold Coast and end a 35-year wait.

Boffelli succeeded with two crucial kicks at the start and end of this pulsating contest, both from inside his own half, to earn Argentina their first win on Australian soil since 1983.

In a dramatic finish, a last-ditch tackle from Pumas lock Thomas Lavanini caused Aussie wing Israel Folau to knock on as he tried to feed Bernard Foley free on his right.

Referee John Lacey blew his final whistle to spark loud Argentinian celebrations.

Pumas captain Agustin Creevy enthused: “This is a very important result for us. It has been such a long time since we came over to Australia and managed to win, but now we have ended the spell.”

Wallabies captain David Pocock said: “It was pretty heart-breaking at the end. I thought we were over but it was great defence from Argentina.”

The Pumas deserved their second win of the tournament which leaves Australia at the bottom of the table after four games.

The visitors led 17-14 at the break. Boffelli’s early penalty was cancelled out when scrum-half Will Genia dived over for Australia’s opening try which Toomua converted.

Pumas fly-half general Nicolas Sanchez converted his own try after he was put through by a side-stepping Jeronimo De La Fuente.

Folau produced a scintillating run, beating four rivals before diving over. Toomua converted from the touchline.

The Pumas then had two tries ruled out, the first for a foot in touch and the second for a forward pass. But they kept hammering away at the Aussie line and Bautista Delguy weaved his way over.

A Sanchez penalty increased the lead for the men in blue.

Australia came bursting back with a fine try. Full-back Dane HaylettPetty finished off a swift move in the corner to make it a one-point deficit.

Sanchez and Hodge both missed penalties before long-range expert Boffelli coolly sent a longrange kick through the posts four minutes from time.