Argentina outclass Australia once again to take out Perth title

Sun, Jan 28, 2024, 10:00 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Argentina have claimed the Perth title over Australia. Photo: Getty Images
Argentina have claimed the Perth title over Australia. Photo: Getty Images

Argentina have made it back-to-back titles with a 31-5 win over Australia in the Perth Final.

Four second half tries proved the difference as the Pumas backed up their Cape Town heroics.

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Australia’s charge at the title started in a nightmare fashion when Nathan Lawson was sent for two minutes thanks to a deliberate knockdown.

It provided all the space Marcos Moneta needed to race away and score his eighth try of the weekend.

Argentina continued to chip away at the Australian line as Lawson returned to the field, with the hosts hanging on to keep the margin at seven at the break.

However, this only spurred the Series leaders on, extending their lead through German Schultz.

This led the Aussies to chase the game as they tried to play an expansive style of footy.

In the end, Los Pumas’ relenting pressure forced the mistake, allowing Matteo Graziano to wrap up the title.

Player of the Match Moneta wrapped up his brilliant tournament and Argentina’s second title in a row with 60 seconds to go, followed by Graziano's second.

Matt Gonzalez gave something for the Australians to celebrate at the end with a try in the corner after the siren.

"They were in the driving seat from the get go," Henry Hutchison said after the defeat.

"We're going to have to go back to the drawing board and really think of an invigorating way to try and stop that team.

"We're a little disappointed with the effort we put out there in our last game.

"...Plenty to work on but I'm proud of the group's effort and a lot of good to come from it.:

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