Five matches in Argentina's rise

Five matches in Argentina's rise

TWICKENHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - Argentina face Australia in a World Cup semi-final at Twickenham on Sunday, with the South Americans bidding to make the final for the first time,

Argentina's Juan Martin Hernandez (left) and Nicolas Sanchez take part in a training session at Pennyhill Park in Bagshot, on Oct 23, 2015.

Here are five matches that helped turn the Pumas from a second-tier rugby nation but into a fully-fledged member of the southern hemisphere's elite Rugby Championship:

1999, Lens, France: Argentina 28 Ireland 24

Ireland were huge favourites in this World Cup quarter-final playoff but were undone when, after fly-half David Humphreys had traded penalties with opposite number Gonzalo Quesada, Pumas wing Diego Albanese scored the only try of the match six minutes from time. Argentina lost 47-26 to France in the quarter-final.

2007, Paris: France 10 Argentina 34

The Pumas had already beaten France 17-12 in the opening match of the World Cup and they confirmed their earlier win over the hosts was no fluke with a convincing victory in the third place playoff.

A fiery match saw tries from Felipe Contepomi and Omar Hasan help Argentina into a 17-3 half-tome lead before second-half scores from Federico Aramburu, Ignacio Corleto and Contepomi sealed a resounding win.

2014, Mendoza: Argentina 21 Australia 17

The Pumas first win in the Rugby Championship and one that should inspire them ahead of this weekend's match with the Wallabies.

Argentina were all but down out at 14-0 behind after early tries by Tevita Kuridrani and Scott Higginbotham put Australia in a strong position.

But with Wallaby scrum-half Nick Phipps and flanker Michael Hooper both sin-binned, Argentina fought back with No 8 Leonardo Senatore and wing Juan Imhoff both scoring tries. Then, after two missed by Australia's Bernard Foley, a late Nicolas Sanchez penalty saw Argentina to a memorable victory.

2015, Durban: South Africa 25 Argentina 37

At the 20th time of asking, Argentina finally beat the Springboks -- and on South African soil as well in the Rugby Championship -- with a stunning win that featured Imhoff's hat-trick of tries.

There were just few minutes on the clock when Imhoff sent in Marcelo Bosch for the first of four Puma tries.

Tomas Cubelli then set up Imhoff for his first try, with ace goalkicker Juan Martin Hernandez again converting.

Imhoff scored again before the break and by half-time the Pumas led 27-13.

Imhoff's third try was controversial, with French referee Romain Poite allowing play to continue while medics were on the field in South Africa's half. Springbok great Bryan Habana managed a late consolation try but it could not spoil the Pumas' party.

2015, Cardiff: Argentina 43 Ireland 20

Argentina had long been respected for their forward power but doubts had often been voiced regarding the quality of their backs.

But if ever a match showcased their enhanced all-round ability, this World Cup quarter-final was it.

Argentina, with their forwards dominating at the set-piece and in the loose raced into a 17-0 lead after just 20 minutes,. Matias Moroni and Santiago Cordero, after well-judged kicks allied to fine handling moves, both scored converted tries and Sanchez kicked a penalty.

Ireland fought back and, at one stage, Argentina's lead had been cut to three points.

But, significantly, the Pumas did not retreat into a forward dominated game with Joaquin Tuculet and Imhoff scoring late tries in a victory orchestrated by Hernandez, who kicked 23 points.

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