Australia Clinches Narrow Victory Over Argentina in Weather-Hit Rugby Championship

Australia edged out Argentina 20-19 in a closely fought Rugby Championship match, thanks to a last-minute penalty by Ben Donaldson. The game, played under harsh weather conditions, saw Australia score two tries and a penalty to overcome the hosts in La Plata. Argentina's try, scored by Juan Martin Gonzalez, wasn't enough despite Santiago Carreras' 11 points.

Australia kicked over a last-gasp penalty to edge hosts Argentina 20-19 in the Rugby Championship on Saturday, overcoming appalling weather to win their first match of this year's competition.

Substitute Ben Donaldson knocked over his effort from close range with the final action of the match to see the Wallabies to narrow victory in cold and rainy conditions at Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi in La Plata. Australia outscored their hosts two tries to one with Jake Gordon and Rob Valetini both going over and Noah Lolesio adding a penalty and two conversions.

Argentina's try was scored early by loose forward Juan Martin Gonzalez, while Santiago Carreras contributed 11 points with three penalties and a conversion. The victory will be a major fillip for the Wallabies after being comprehensively beaten at home by South Africa in their opening two matches of this year's Southern Hemisphere championship, although they remain bottom of the standings at the halfway mark.

(With inputs from agencies.)