TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 8 September

08.09.2012
New Zealand 21, Argentina 5 in Wellington (Rugby Championship)
Australia 26, South Africa 19 in Perth (Rugby Championship)
Denmark 22, Norway 15 in London (Viking Cup Preliminary)

Briefly
Argentina gave New Zealand a serious fright in their Rugby Championship clash in Wellington. A player sin-binned mid-way through the second half effectively cost Argentina the rhythm and poise they had worked so hard to compose. New Zealand were in control and dominant in the last 15 minutes and that is where they won the game.

Prior to that Argentina were a very competitive unit. Their defence was superb. They rushed the All Black attack and the bone crunching tackles could be heard over the strong wind and, at times, driving rain.

Australia continued its winning ways against South Africa. With their backs to the wall against the media and fans, the Aussies won the game with a wingers try by prop Ben Alexander. He twinkled his way down the touchline to dot down in the corner. It took the TMO a moment to believe his eyes before awarding the try.

South Africa came away with a bonus point but this loss puts the pressure back on the team and the coach to produce. Next up they face the daunting prospects of a New Zealand side at home that finally hit its best in the last 15 minutes of their last game. Hmmmm.

Denmark won the preliminary Viking Trophy match in London finally overcoming a tenacious Norwegian side 22-15. Denmark will now challenge Sweden in Sweden on 22 September. Norway’s next match is their first ENC 2D encounter against neighbours Finland in 6 weeks time.