Deja Pum(a): Argentina end Australia’s dream Perth run

Sun, Jan 26, 2025, 11:56 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Australia go down to Argentina in the Perth Final. Photo: Getty Images
Australia go down to Argentina in the Perth Final. Photo: Getty Images

Argentina have condemned Australia to another second-place finish in Perth after a thumping 41-5 win in the Final.

It was a repeat of last year’s Final as the hosts’ fairytale run came undone to a red-hot Argentina side that didn't get them a chance to impose themselves.

Watch every match of this week's Perth SVNS live and on-demand, exclusively on Stan Sport.

The Aussies entered the game down several stars, with Henry Hutchison, James Turner and Hayden Sargeant ruled out with injury.

The injuries took their toll as the Australians struggled to deal with the firepower of the defending champions.

Los Pumas set the tempo early as they pressed the Australian's line, with the hosts holding off before two quick tries left them chasing the game.

It started when Marcos Moneta switched back inside for the opening try, stepping up when Argentina needed him the most.

This sparked Argentina to capitalise on a dropped kick-off as Luciano Gonzalez collected and sprinted away for the try.

They continued to pile on the pressure and won the tighthead scrum to allow Santiago Alvarez to cross for a 17-0 half-time lead.

Gonzalez started the second half as he finished the first after an error from the kickoff gave him his second try.

When Matteo Graziano cut back inside for Argentina’s fifth try, the title was wrapped up.

Debutant Hadley Tonga gave the hosts something to celebrate after showcasing the pace to score a great solo try, his first on the tour.

In the end, Argentina were too much as Graziano strolled over for his second try.

He finished off the hat-trick with seconds remaining as they closed out the victory in style.

It launches Argentina into contention for the League title after their bronze medal finish in Dubai, tied with Fiji and Spain on top spot.

As for Australia, the second-place finish will give the hosts plenty of confidence in Liam Barry's first event in charge, vaulting into sixth.

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