Golden point heartbreak for Australia as Argentina survive comeback scare

Australia has fallen short of what would’ve been an unforgettable comeback win in a rematch of last year’s SVNS Perth Men’s Cup Final. Argentina’s Tobias Wade raced away to score the match-winning try in extra time, with the competition heavyweights winning 31-26.

Argentina took out the SVNS Perth title last season after beating the Aussies in a one-sided decider. Marcos Moneta and Rodrigo Isgro were among those who ran over to a group of passionate Argentina supporters who enjoyed a party-esque celebration in the stands.

But that’s a long time ago now, with Argentina looking to repeat those title-winning heroics this weekend at HBF Park. Their title defence began with a tense pool stage clash against tournament hosts Australia who gave it absolutely everything right up until the end.

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The Aussies appeared to be down for the count midway through the first half as Argentina landed a series of knockout blows, but the men in gold refused to throw in the towel and it so nearly paid off for them on a scorching afternoon out west.

Matteo Graziano helped Los Pumas Sevens get off to an idyllic start with a try in the second minute, with the conversion from Joaquin Pellandini giving them an early 7-nil lead. While James Turner hit back for the Aussies soon after, that score went unconverted.

Luciano Gonzalez and Pellandini scored the next two tries of the contest as Argentina held a strong lead midway through the contest. Wade scored his first of the tournament early in the second term to extend Los Pumas Sevens’ lead even further with about six minutes left to play.

There was a sense that the match had gotten from Australia, and that they had to score next. Fortunately for them, they did just that with Sidney Harvey and Mathew Gonzalez scoring a try each within about 90 seconds of each other, and then Turner completed a double.

Hayden Sargeant lined up a conversion attempt with time up on the clock and Australia down by two points. There was no other option, that kick had to go over and Sargeant was composed enough to make that happen.

Into extra time the match went, with those who call Australia home eager to see if their rugby sevens heroes could get the job done in an epic clash. But it wasn’t to be in the end as Wade scored a 15th-minute try in golden point to secure the 31-26 win for Argentina.

“Wade, too quick. He bursts onto it and wins it for Argentina,” commentator Sean Maloney said on the broadcast. “Heartbreak for (James) Turner and the Aussies. They fought back from 26-5 down with two and a half to play in regular time to take it to extra-time.

A crazy end to a crazy game 🤯

Tobias Wade steals the victory from the hosts in golden point 🇦🇷#HSBCSVNS | #HSBCSVNSPER | @lospumas7arg pic.twitter.com/uHuRKmuh6M

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— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) January 24, 2025

“With their first attacking raid in (extra-time), Argentina have stolen it.”

In the other Pool A clash, South Africa left it late, fighting their way back from the brink of defeat to overcome a valiant USA side 24-19. Will Chevalier scored a double, and Lucas Lacamp also scored as the Americans built up a hard-fought lead.

The Blitzboks trailed by two points before Ronald Brown sliced through the defensive line to score a 14th-minute try under the sticks. Brown added the extra two as the SVNS Cape Town winners recorded a much-needed win in a tough pool.