Australia recovered from disastrous first half to score five second-half tries and records in test match history

Australia recovered from a disastrous first half to score five second-half tries and record the second largest comeback in test match history on Saturday, with a 45-34 win over Argentina that enabled them to avoid the Rugby Championship's wooden spoon.

The Wallabies conceded two tries in the first four minutes and were 31-7 down at halftime but after coach Michael Cheika launched a blistering team talk they came out and dominated the second period to hammer a hapless home side.

Izack Rodda, Israel Folau and Dane Haylett-Petty scored tries within 10 minutes of the restart before David Pocock crossed and Haylett-Petty grabbed his second with 15 minutes remaining to make the score 42-34.

Bernard Foley scored a penalty six minutes from time to add to his six conversions and although Tolu Latu got a yellow card for a reckless elbow with four minutes remaining the Pumas could not make their advantage count.

Argentina, who needed a win or a draw to condemn the visitors to the last place in the championship, looked shell-shocked and could manage only a penalty after the break.

It was the biggest comeback in Rugby Championship history and the largest amongst Tier One nations. Chile held a 27-0 lead at halftime before losing 35-34 to Uruguay in 2007.

The result means the Wallabies leapfrog Argentina to finish third in the final table, behind South Africa and winners New Zealand.