Rugby Championship: Australia 28-24 Argentina – Bell’s Last-Gasp Try Seals Dramatic Comeback

Australia pulled off a thrilling comeback in Queensland as Angus Bell scored a match-winning try deep into stoppage time to snatch a 28-24 victory over Argentina in the Rugby Championship. The Wallabies, who trailed 21-7 at half-time, refused to settle for a draw and instead showed resilience and ambition to secure back-to-back wins in the competition.

Argentina looked to have stolen the match when Juan Cruz Mallia slotted a penalty in the 79th minute to put the visitors ahead 24-21. But Australia, rejecting three opportunities to level the game from the tee, pressed forward for a decisive score. Their boldness was rewarded when prop Angus Bell powered over the line six minutes beyond the hooter, sealing an unforgettable win.

Captain Harry Wilson praised his team’s belief after another comeback, recalling their recovery against South Africa earlier in the tournament. “Full credit to the boys—we could have gone for goal and taken the draw, but everyone believed we could finish the job. Proud of how the team kept going against quality opposition,” he said.

Argentina entered the contest with momentum, fresh off a historic home win over New Zealand, and they carried that confidence into the first half. Tries from Bautista Delguy and Mateo Carreras, combined with three penalties from Santi Carreras, pushed the Pumas into a commanding lead. Despite Nic White crossing for Australia, the Wallabies went into the break 21-7 down.

However, the second half belonged to the hosts. Joseph Suaalii inspired the turnaround with two crucial tries, leveling the scores at 21-21 before Mallia’s late penalty briefly silenced the home crowd. But Bell’s determination in the dying moments ensured Australia walked away with a famous win.

Pumas captain Julian Montoya admitted his side’s discipline let them down. “Congrats to Australia, they took their opportunities. But in the second half we gave away too many controllable penalties, and that cost us,” Montoya reflected.

The victory adds another chapter to Australia’s growing reputation for late heroics in the Rugby Championship and sets the stage for an exciting remainder of the tournament.