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Holding on: Australia’s blitz start paves way for victory over Argentina

Wallabies stun Pumas with three tries in opening 12 minutes, but are then put under pressure before running out 36-20 winners

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Australia scrum half Will Genia, who had an outstanding game, scores against Argentina in the Rugby Championship match in Perth. Australia won 36-20. Photo: AFP

Australia stunned Argentina with three tries in the opening 12 minutes but were forced to defend for much of the remainder of the Rugby Championship test before running out 36-20 winners at Perth Oval on Saturday.

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Outstanding scrum half Will Genia scored two tries with centre Samu Kerevi, winger Dane Haylett-Petty and flanker Michael Hooper also crossing for the Wallabies.

The victory was not enough to prevent New Zealand from reclaiming the championship title from Australia after a 41-13 victory over South Africa earlier on Saturday.

It was another step up for the resurgent Wallabies, however, after they snapped a six-match losing streak with a nervous victory over the Springboks last weekend.

Argentina forward Agustin Creevy is stopped in his tracks by Australia’s Sekope Kepu. Photo: EPA
Argentina forward Agustin Creevy is stopped in his tracks by Australia’s Sekope Kepu. Photo: EPA
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“We started well and got out to a bit of a lead and that’s always important in test matches,” said captain Stephen Moore.

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