Rugby Championship Round-Up

Australia 8-42 New Zealand

New Zealand opened their Rugby Championship account with a very convincing victory over the Wallabies.

Australia opened the scoring with Foley's kick at goal, but failed to capitalise on the early lead they built. That's about as good as it got for Michael Chieka's side as they suffered injuries to Matt Giteau, Matt Toomua and Rob Horne all in the first half.

The All Blacks responded superbly to going behind, with Crotty, Barrett, Kaino and Naholo scoring tries in the first half to stun the home side.

It was a lower scoring second half, with Danes dotting down and Savea scoring his 40th try in New Zealand colours, the quickest man to do so (44 games). Phipps managed to pull one back for Australia but the damage was done in the 1st half by this outstanding NZ side.

Steve Hansen's side recorded their highest away win on Australian soil while Australia must lick their wounds after a truely humbling defeat.

South Africa 30-23 Argentina

South Africa claimed a dramatic 30-23 victory against Argentina at the Mbombela Stadium.

The Pumas held a narrow 13-10 lead going in at half time despite a fast start from the Springboks. Tries by Combrinck for South Africa early in the half and a typical Argentian flair led to Orlando to score for Argentina.

The game came to life in the second half, starting with the visitors superb try scored by Cordero after a lovely chip from Nicolas Sanchez, which seemed to give Argentina control of the fixture.

However, South Africa refused to roll over, Goosen gave the home side hope with 8 minutes to go and Whiteley secured the victory for the Springboks as he finished off a move out wide.

Argentina will feel aggreived but they leave with a losing bonus point and have a shot at revenge next week against South Africa in Buenos Arias.