Rugby:Australia's captain curse has struck again with stand-in skipper Will Genia set to be ruled out for six months after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in Saturday's victory over South Africa in the Rugby Championship.
Scans confirmed a tear in Genia's right knee, which he suffered 11 minutes from full-time in Australia's 26-19 win in Perth. It is a cruel blow for the Wallabies who have already lost skipper James Horwill and his replacement David Pocock to injury.
It is understood Nathan Sharpe will take over the captaincy from Genia in what will be his third Test as skipper and the first time since 2005.
Melbourne Rebels number nine Nick Phipps is likely to take Genia's starting spot for next Saturday night's Test against Argentina on the Gold Coast. Western Force half Brett Sheehan, who has not played for the Wallabies since 2008, has been drafted into the squad for the Pumas clash.
Genia was not the only injury concern out of the win over South Africa, with lock Sitaleki Timani also expected to miss the Argentina clash with a hamstring injury. Timani suffered a grade one hamstring tear and is not expected to be risked, with either Rob Simmons or Kane Douglas to take his spot in the side.
The Wallabies, who suffered back-to-back losses to New Zealand in their opening two matches, failed to penetrate the South African defence in the first half and trailed 13-6 at the interval.
However, they crossed twice in the second period to secure the victory and move to within three points of the previously-undefeated Springboks, who had claimed a win and a draw against Argentina in their previous two outings.
Wallabies reserve Scott Higginbotham replaced Radike Samo and had an immediate impact when he broke though the South African line and scored alongside the uprights in the 56th minute.
Prop Ben Alexander then ploughed into the corner in the 69th minute to score what would prove to be the decisive try.
Berrick Barnes contributed the rest of Australia's points as he finished with a 100 per cent record with the boot, while Morne Steyn and Francois Steyn combined for 14 of South Africa's 19 points, with the visitors' sole try coming from Bryan Habana.
New Zealandwere made to work hard for a 21-5 victory over newcomers Argentinain awful conditions in Wellington.
The All Blacks led only 6-5 after a first half littered with handling errors, but Aaron Cruden's third penalty and tries in the final quarter from wingers Julian Savea and Cory Jane secured victory.
A third win from as many games leaves New Zealand top of the table, while Argentina remain on two points for the tournament.
Cruden drew first blood but the Pumas took the lead when Rodrigo Roncero showed great power to break through the home defence on the line for his sixth try in Tests. Martin Rodriguez's conversion attempt hit the post and bounced wide.
Cruden slotted his second penalty to nudge New Zealand back in front at 6-5 in the 25th minute, after a ruck infringement by Roncero.
But the All Blacks stepped up a gear as the game neared its end and finally gave themselves a comfortable position with 13 minutes to go. Conrad Smith drew three defenders before offloading to Nonu, who unselfishly gave the glory to Savea in the corner.
And Jane soon dived over for a second try after racing onto a long miss pass from Cruden which was ruled not to be forward. Cruden this time landed an excellent conversion from wide on the right to make it 21-5.
