* Injury-plagued Australia beat Argentina 25-19
* Wallabies finish second to champions New Zealand (Adds detail, quotes)
ROSARIO, Argentina Oct 6 (Reuters) – Australias beefed-up forward pack outmuscled Argentina to secure a 25-19 victory in Rosario on Saturday and finish the inaugural Rugby Championship second to New Zealand.
Winger Digby Ioane scored a late try for the Wallabies whose embattled coach Robbie Deans was vindicated for selecting a heavy set of forwards to take on Argentina’s might up front following a string of injuries in the leadup.
Fullback Michael Harris kicked 20 points, including five first-half penalties to put Australia 15-9 ahead at halftime as the Wallabies made the fewer handling mistakes with a slippery ball in damp conditions.
Australia’s third victory in the elite southern hemisphere tournament saw them finish equal with South Africa in points, but secured the runner-up position by virtue of having won more win than the Springboks.
The world champion All Blacks crushed South Africa earlier on Saturday for a clean sweep of six wins, while Argentina had to settle for bottom place but enjoyed an encouraging debut with a draw and five mostly competitive defeats.
“The character shown and the intensity was outstanding tonight and that provided the platform for our victory,” Australia captain Nathan Sharpe told reporters.
“On a field that was smaller than we’re used to and one of the wettest balls we’ve played with and, in my career, one of the most hostile crowds, we got the job done.”
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