Argentina, who beat Australian 31-5 last year, triumphed 41-5 in the 2025 iteration against an injury-hit green-and-gold outfit on Sunday.
Australia lost Henry Hutchinson, Hayden Sergeant and James Turner after their dramatic 17-1`2 semi-final extra-time win over Canada.Â
A Graziano hat-trick in the final 😮�💨— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) #HSBCSVNS | #HSBCSVNSPER | @lospumas7arg https://t.co/MJv0MLwKhC pic.twitter.com/FanOHO1DzVJanuary 26, 2025
As was the case last year, Argentina then dominated from the start, scoring three first-half tries to lead 17-0 at the break.
Australia, who rallied from losing their first two matches to win their next three, couldn't contain the Pumas outfit, who finished the tournament with four straight wins.
Tries to Marcus Moneta, Luciano Gonzalez and Santiago Alvarez set up Argentina's substantial halftime lead.
Australia had come from 26-5 down to force their pool game against Argentina into extra-time, but there was to be no comeback in the final.
Gonzalez and Matteo Graziano scored within two minutes of the restart, the one moment of consolation for Australia coming from a superb solo try by highly touted youngster Hadley Tonga.
Argentina then hit back straight away with Graziano completing his hat-trick with two more tries, as they notched an eighth win in their last nine games against Australia.
Argentina moved joint-top on points Fiji and Spain, with the Spaniards later securing a third-straight bronze medal with a 14-7 win over South Africa.
Australia moved up two places to sixth after their season-best performance.
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