Melbourne will fire up for a massive round one derby. Source: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images
THE first Matchday Saturday of the season brings us two sensational match-ups - the grand final replay and Melbourne derby.
First up, it's Central Coast Mariners v Western Sydney Wanderers at a packed Bluetongue Stadium, before Harry Kewell returns to the A-League with Melbourne Heart against Victory, in what is sure to be a heaving Etihad Stadium.
Sean McMahon scored one of Australia's three tries against Scotland. Source: Getty Images
THE young Aussie side redeemed themselves with an emphatic 22-7 victory over Argentina this afternoon to keep alive their chances of advancing at the Gold Coast Sevens.
Not claiming the kick-off and a missed Ed Jenkins tackle to concede the opening try inside 60 seconds was no ideal start following the lame 21-all draw against Scotland to open the day at Robina's Skilled Park.
From that moment, rookie back Tom Lucas, quicksilver Shannon Walker, hard-hitting forward Jesse Parahi and two-try factor Nick Malouf put Australia in total control with a vastly superior performance.
"We were really clinical and put them to the sword. That's exactly how we want to play," said Malouf, who has stepped up from the Queensland University backrow to a sevens career on the international stage.
"We got lazy against Scotland and it cost us."
A quick Walker tap, a good Lucas gallop and Sean McMahon's go-forward set up Malouf's first touchdown against Argentina to excite an alcohol-enriched crowd.
Walker casually dotted down with one hand to complete his try while a pirouette and flick pass shortly after were a hint of his game-breaking skills.
Two big left foot sidesteps set up Malouf's second try while two thundering Parahi tackles in the closing minutes showed the home side's intent.
The Aussies play Samoa in tonight's final Pool D clash. A win ensures their passage into Cup competition tomorrow while a close loss might also be enough to still go through ahead of Scotland.
Australia butchered a 21-0 lead over Scotland to squander the early momentum they desperately wanted from their opening match today.
The men in bright yellow jerseys were red-faced after giving up three converted tries in the closing five minutes to limp out of their Pool D clash with a tame 21-all draw.
Coach Michael O'Connor was stony faced as he led his players into a huddle under the grandstand to dissect the flat finish which is likely to sentence the Aussies to a Cup quarter-final showdown with hotshots New Zealand tomorrow.
Tries to Sean McMahon, Nick Malouf and Con Foley had the Aussies in command today in front of an enthusiastic crowd flecked with Kiwi-loving smurfs in blue body paint, a population explosion of Fred Flintstones and any number of other supporters in fancy dress costumes.
O'Connor may rue make two substitutions with the Aussies 21-7 ahead. The Scots rallied with winger James Fleming racing away, off a costly Australian turnover, to score under the posts after the full-time whistle.
A missed ruck base tackle by James Stannard in the build-up increased the hurt.
In early matches, world series champions New Zealand enjoyed an 38-0 win over the United States followed by a 26-0 romp against Tonga.
Gold Coast Sevens Champions Fiji opened with a 20-10 result over Canada and a 38-0 thrashing of Portugal.
Sonny Bill Williams and Trent Robinson celebrate after the Roosters win the Grand Final. Source: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images
Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson says Sonny Bill Williams' decision to remain with the NRL premiers is a huge tribute to everyone connected with the club.
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The cross-code superstar ended sport's longest-running saga on Thursday night when he informed Roosters officials he'd decided to re-sign for another year.
A disappointed New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) broke the news on its Twitter feed on Friday that the 28-year-old had knocked back an offer to rejoin the Super Rugby champions Chiefs in 2014.
Robinson admitted he'd no idea if he would get the chance to work with Williams again after Sunday's grand final win over Manly.
But he said the decision to give the back-rower space and time to make his decision had been vindicated.
``It's a big thing for our club on and off the field,'' Robinson said.
``I wasn't sure until he told us last night. It was his decision and I've said all along I wasn't going to ask him. We'd let him come to his own decision.
``All we did was support him and now he has supported us. It's great for our game that he's still here.''
The Roosters said in a statement Williams would sign his new deal in mid February.
A return to the boxing ring is then on the cards in January before he links up with his teammates for pre-season training a month later.
Robinson said news that he would re-sign was proof the strong culture created by his players and coaching staff had struck a chord with Williams.
``I think he's really enjoyed this season. We've been successful and he's enjoyed being part of our group,'' he said.
``He's had a huge effect on our club.
``We have had a lot of guys this year that have been outstanding, none more so than Sonny and that was shown when he took out our player of the year award.
``He's quite unique in our game. There are not many like him.
``It's a great thing when someone re-signs. It makes you feel like you're on the right track.
``It's a good, strong message for our playing group and shows our guys like playing with each other.''
NRL chief executive Dave Smith was involved in the negotiation process with Williams, but said it was the Roosters that got the deal over the line and expressed his delight at his decision to play again in 2014.
``It's great for the fans, the Roosters and the competition,'' Smith said.
``Sonny had an outstanding year and I think he's really looking forward to the opportunity ahead. It certainly adds to the positive feeling around the World Cup and the 2014 season.''
Footage on Thursday of Williams having lunch with NZRU general manager Neil Sorensen and Chiefs coach Dave Rennie intensified speculation he was going back to rugby.
Sorensen admitted the news was a blow, but it seems likely he'll be back in the 15-man game in 2015 head of the Rugby Union World Cup.
``Disappointing but we put our best foot forward, and in the end Sonny made his decision, Sorensen said.''
``We obviously worked pretty hard to bring Sonny home, and we have had some really good conversations with him.
``As we do with many players who leave New Zealand, we will continue to keep the lines of communication open with him about his playing career.''
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Sydney FC has signed former Heart and Jets star Matt Thompson as an injury replacement contract for youngster Peter Triantis.
The free agent has been without a club since leaving Melbourne Heart at the end of last season and goes straight into the squad for tonight's game against the Newcastle Jets.
"I couldn't be happier," said the 31 year old midfielder. "I'm a Sydney boy so it's fantastic to be coming home and playing in front of my home crowd."
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Head Coach Frank Farina said he was happy to be adding Thompson's experience to the squad: "Matt has proven quality in this league and his signing is a boost to Sydney FC. We've completed the paperwork so he is a chance to make his debut in tonight's season opener."
Thompson has the record for making the most appearances in the Hyundai A-League after a five year spell with the Newcastle Jets followed by three years with the Heart.
"To get the chance to face my former club in my first game as a Sydney FC player is very special for me," he said.
"I'm looking forward to it immensely."
Matt Thompson has made 203 Hyundai A-League appearances, scoring 26 goals. He has also represented the Socceroos on four occasions.
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Conspiracy? What conspiracy?
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North Queensland star James Tamou on Thursday broke ranks on the season's biggest refereeing controversy, claiming the Cowboys deserved to lose their hotly disputed final against Cronulla despite conceding a seventh tackle try.
In a far more reasoned and calm appraisal than the howls of conspiracy that greeted the result a month ago, Tamou said the team now accepted the games was theirs to be lost after leading 18-12 midway through the second half.
The change in attitude occurred during a post-season video session with sacked coach Neil Henry, who analysed a tape of the Sharks game that featured repeated shortcomings in North Queensland's kicking.
"He (Henry) just pointed out the facts of what we could've done and what we should have done," Tamou said.
James Tamou in action for the Cowboys. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
"Looking back as few weeks later we definitely could've done our part to win that game.
"The refs made a human error but we had plenty of chances to score and do this or that.
"We were angry at the referees for letting in six points but after looking at the video we were like, 'Oh yeah this could have been done and that could've been done."
Tamou also said Cronulla deserved to advance based on their gutsy loss to eventual grand finalists Manly the following week.
"Our kicking game was not up to scratch compared to theirs," Tamou said.
"They played better than us.
"I watched the game against Manly the week afterwards and they almost won that too."
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ESSENDON has all but ruled out James Hird returning to coach the Bombers in a 2014 finals campaign.
But Chairman Paul Little said Hird, suspended until late August, could return in another capacity.
"James' view was that it would be unwise for him to come back to coaching... the decision was made very early in the piece," Little said.
Little said it was an exciting time for the club and that 2014 "will not be a gap year".
As reported in the Herald Sun this morning, Thompson will take up the reins while Hird serves his 12-month ban for bringing the game into disrepute.
Thompson said he was happy to be apart of the rebuild.
"I wouldn't do it if it was just for the club," he said.
"I think I really wanted to do it for nine months and that's what I'm going to do.
"I'm very committed and excited, I want to show Essendon in the best possible way."
Thompson said he was going to add to - and not change - game plan/structures he and Hird had worked on over the past three seasons.
"We'll just aim to do things well.
"I think I've been a little disappointed with what I have done over the past three years, I haven't achieved what I wanted to achieve."
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Craig, who was high performance manager at Melbourne this year, has emerged as the surprise senior assistant to Thompson.
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Craig this morning departed Melbourne with the club saying his position of director of sports performance has become redundant after the appointment of Paul Roos. Chris Connolly has also left the Demons.
Thompson's appointment ends a curious month-long search for a replacement for James Hird, who was suspended for 12 months for his role in the club's supplements program through 2011-2012.
Thompson has swayed from wanting, then not wanting and then wanting the job, and in the recent past has shown a real hunger for the position.
The Geelong premiership coach has had several in-depth discussions with senior club people, and was the logical choice to fill in Hird's absence.
Support from all facets of the club became clear at the club's best and fairest count last Wednesday night.
Thompson got a standing ovation and a chant of "'Bomber, Bomber'' as he walked on stage, so clearly the members and influential coterie members wanted him.
Skipper Jobe Watson and best and fairest winner Brendon Goddard had told club officials they also wanted Thompson, while from day one Hird implored the club to appoint Thompson.
The sealer was Thompson telling the club he wanted role.
The appointment of Craig would be left-field.
The former Adelaide coach was interim coach at Melbourne this year when Mark Neeld was sacked, and when Paul Roos was named coach, Craig's days were numbered.
He would be seen by the Bombers as a mature-head in a re-organised football department.
Craig would be likely to be appointed to the role of technical coach, or senior assistant.
Thompson could not be contacted last night, but he told Fox Footy's AFL360 program recently that he was prepared to coach.
"I said that I'd help in any way," Thompson said. "If they want to go down a different track that's fine. If they want me to coach, I'd seriously consider it.
''I'm just worried about the club. Have I got my hunger back? I don't know, we'll find out."
People close to Thompson say he remains frustrated and angry about his $30,000 fine for his role in the supplements saga, and part of him wants to show the AFL, and the football world, that he and the club will restore respect for the red and black.
Meanwhile, the purging of Essendon people continued yesterday when premiership hero Dean Wallis was sacked in a football department reshuffling.
It follows a decision by board member and premiership player Chris Heffernan and chief executive Ray Gunston, the two most powerful football people at the club, to overlook another club premiership player, Mark Harvey, for the senior positions at the club.
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MELBOURNE Storm forward Tohu Harris has been sacrificed to allow Sonny Bill Williams to be added to the New Zealand squad for the World Cup.
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Harris became the unfortunate victim after Williams declared his intention to play in the World Cup after the 24-man squad had been named.
In a statement released by the New Zealand Rugby League on Wednesday afternoon it said Williams' inclusion in the squad had been approved by World Cup organisers.
Coach Steve Kearney, who on Tuesday fronted a press conference and announced Williams would not be playing in the World Cup said it had been a difficult 24 hours.
"It's been a tough situation, but Sonny brings things to the group that we couldn't ignore," Kearney said.
"He has had time since his NRL grand final win to clear his head and he wants to represent the Kiwis on the world stage.
"He missed our 2008 World Cup win and his inclusion will be a great asset in trying to repeat that success this year.
"It's not only his footballing ability, but also what he brings off the field which will benefit the team."
Earlier on Tuesday New Zealand selector Richie Barnett accused Williams of "disrespecting" the Kiwi team by nominating late for the squad.
In a statement issued by the Melbourne Storm Harris said he was bitterly disappointed to miss out on being part of the eight week tournament.
"As you would expect, I'm very disappointed not to be heading to the World Cup to represent my country, New Zealand,' Harris said.
"I was very much looking forward to going, however I understand the decision that has been made and hope I get another opportunity to play for the Kiwis in the future."
"My focus will now be on returning to training with Storm in November for pre-season and looking forward to an exciting 2014," Harris said.
New Zealand tried to soften the blow to Harris by taking him on the tour in a development role and play him in pre-tournament matches.
But Harris and the Storm have decided it would be better for him to remain in Melbourne for minor surgery.
Young gun Harris produced a brilliant debut season at the Storm this year, nominated for the Dally M Rookie of the Year award alongside George Burgess, Anthony Milford and David Nofouluma, with Burgess eventually taking the title.
In April, Harris was promoted to the New Zealand side after just six NRL games, debuting in the Anzac Test against Australia following injuries to Simon Mannering and Jeremy Smith.
Harris played all but one NRL game in his rookie year, crossing for two tries.
"Tohu handled the situation as well as anyone could," Kearney said.
"It was a conversation no coach would like to have, but he's a terrific young man and I'm sure he'll have many more opportunities to pull on the black jersey.
"It's been a unique set of circumstances for all involved, but for now our focus is getting set to defend the World Cup with the team we have."
New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Phil Holden told a media conference said the senior leadership group gave unanimous support to Williams' inclusion.
"We want to win the World Cup, we want to take the best team," he said.
"He (Williams) is clearly an undeniable talent, but we recognise it's a polarising decision."
Only time will tell if Williams can be the difference in retaining the trophy - "But I think our chances have increase significantly - you can't deny that," Holden said.
He believed the NZRL had acted with integrity and respect in the way they conveyed the news to Harris.
He also said whatever decision was made would have its supporters and detractors.
Holden said Williams was "hugely excited" about his inclusion in the squad.
"I think he felt that, in 2008, when he missed the last World Cup, that he missed an opportunity,'' he said.
"He didn't want to miss this one and he had had time to reflect on that."
Holden added that Williams was aware of the difficulty he had created for the NZRL and for Kearney, and the personal impact on Harris.
Below are Williams' reasons for changing his mind which he sent to his followers on Twitter on Wednesday.
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NEW Zealand selector Richie Barnett says Sonny Bill Williams has "disrespected" the Kiwi team by backflipping on his decision not to play at the World Cup.
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After initially saying he wanted to take a break from the game, Williams changed his mind overnight and has now made himself available for selection.
Late on Wednesday the New Zealand selectors announced that they had included Williams in the squad and that young Melbourne star Tohu Harris, who had only been named as part of the touring team 24 hours earlier, had been dropped.
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Williams sent out a tweet this morning explaining his decision and that he was "now ready to help the brothers if they want me."
Speaking on Wednesday Barnett said that Williams has made himself available "later than what we'd like but our intention was to have this guy involved in the squad."
"(A player) now has to be exited out of the squad. My feelings on that is that it is not a nice thing to do," Barnett said.
"Probably in some way he has probably disrespected (the Kiwi squad)and we've just got to cop it on the head.
"Now it's a hard decision to make but at the end of the day we are here to win a World Cup, not to please people on moralistic grounds.
Ex-New Zealand coach has also weighed in on the debate calling current coach Stephen Kearney's handling of the selection process "amateurish".
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"Stephen Kearney has created amateur hour," Lowe said.
"I think it is the worst selection announcement that I have ever heard in sport.
"I think Stephen Kearney has buggered it up. It's the responsibility of the coach to get the players he wants."
Selector Barnett wasn't alone in saying Williams should play but some sections of the New Zealand media were split over the decision.
On popular New Zealand website Stuff.co.nz an opinion piece by Duncan Johnstone implored Steve Kearney to ignore Williams.
"(But) Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney should make a stand and simply tell Williams, "sorry mate, you're too late".
"Williams' change of mind is an indictment on himself and his management," Johnstone wrote.
The New Zealand Herald reported that Williams' return wouldn't make him the most important player in the team.
"Souths hooker Issac Luke is irreplaceable and New Zealand would also not have wanted to do without five-eighth Kieran Foran," the newspaper reported.
Williams had earlier tweeted his best wishes to the New Zealand team on their World Cup campaign but this morning another tweet explained his decision to now want to be part of the team.
"After a few tough seasons topped with an amazing one with the boys at the Roosters I was then faced with the opportunity to have a long awaited break and go on holiday with my family," Williams tweeted on Wednesday morning.
"Without thinking the whole situation through thoroughly, I eagerly jumped at the chance to chill out and rest. After having some time to really think about how much representing my country means to me I decided to then put my name forward for selection.
"Now I know the squad is already picked and I understand if I can't be a part of it but I'm here and ready to help the brothers if they want me." -
"Late on Tuesday, Sonny Bill Williams expressed his desire to play for the Kiwis in the Rugby League World Cup," Kearney said.
"Our thinking had always been that if Sonny was available, he would be part of the team. We are now exploring options around Sonny's possible inclusion in the tournament.
"This would require ratification by the World Cup organisers."
Williams was part of the All Blacks' triumphant 2011 rugby World Cup squad, but he has not contested the league equivalent. He was named in the Kiwis' preliminary squad for the 2008 World Cup – a tournament they went on to win – but was withdrawn after he walked out on the Bulldogs to join French rugby club Toulon.
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A gutted Archie Thompson concedes he called Holger Osieck to ask why he was snubbed for the Socceroos' upcoming friendlies against France and Canada.
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But the Melbourne Victory attacker concedes being available for Saturday's round 1 derby at Etihad Stadium helped him get over his omission.
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With Osieck's job on the line his task has just got a lot harder with attacking midfielders Brett Holman (quad) and Tom Rogic (groin) ruled out of the games through injury.
Osieck was roundly blasted for using Thompson _ a veteran and regular impact player during the qualifiers _ as his first sub after Australia had conceded a fourth against Brazil while lesser used types like Tom Rogic and James Holland were overlooked.
But Thompson is confident he remains in the frame for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
"I was a bit disappointed so I actually actually gave Holger a call because I wanted to know if there was something I was doing wrong or needed improving because I felt that every time I've come onto the pitch I've effected it and changed it the way he wanted,'' Thompson said.
Out ... Injury has sidelined Brett Holman. Source: Getty Images
"He just said the guys are doing really well, they're scoring and I need to see these players because there's not many games left.
"He also said I've had this interrupted off-season and this gives me a chance to play some matches and get some proper game time in before future camps.
"So I can take solace in that and it's good that I'm still in the mix but I've got to prove myself like everything else and I can't take things for granted and now I've got an opportunity to play Heart.
"I was disappointed in a way but I knew that was the reason behind it and you've got to accept that because you've got to give opportunities to people wherever they're playing.
"Ruka (Nikita Rukavytsya) has gone to the second division and scored and so has (Matthew) Leckie so you've got to give these guys opportunities.
"The flipside is that you get to play in front of 45,000 in one of the real rivalries of the A-League.''
Thompson, who has missed large chunks of pre-season due to the Socceroos' East-Asian Cup commitments and the Brazil game in September, admits his fitness is not where it should be.
Goals ... Nikita Rukavytsya gets his chance to impress. Source: AFP
"It's good that I'm getting gametime for a change, I'm starting to feel fit again,'' he said.
"We've had camps with five, six, eight players and trying to get fitness for tournaments against countries who are in season and against Brazil the preparation wasn't great.''
That Thompson will start in Saturday's derby is a given, where he will play is less certain.
He's played both through centrally and on the wings in pre-season and with Kosta Barbarouses away on New Zealand duty, he could start wide right.
"I don't know. The good thing is I can play in the middle or out wide, so that gives me four positions I can play in,'' Thompson said.
"But we've got good players for all those positions and it's going to be a battle this season which is good because it brings out the best in me and the boys and everyone's competing.
"I'm probably enjoying my football more now in the latter part of my career than the earlier days and that's what's helped me be consistent for the last few years.''
Carlton coach Mick Malthouse talks to defender Josh Bootsma. Source: Michael Dodge / HeraldSun
CARLTON looms as a possible new home for Paul Chapman after they met for preliminary discussions on Monday.
The Blues are looking at a variety of recruitment options in an effort to revitalise a list that could only win three of 13 games against teams that finished above it on the home-and-away ladder (including Essendon).
Chapman, 31, wasn't offered a new contract by the Cats after 251 games between 2000-13, but firmly believes he has good football left in him.
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His manager Liam Pickering said today Carlton was one of four clubs that had contacted him.
"Any club that thinks they can contend next year would obviously be mad not to speak with 'Chappy'. He feels as if his body will allow him at least two good years," Pickering said.
When Chapman did play in eight matches for 2013 his statistics were outstanding, better in all areas than his career averages and that included two games where he was substitute.
The sticking point for a possible Chapman deal could come down to money with the Blues heavily committed after signing Dale Thomas from Collingwood.
But they have made it known they are willing to part with first-round draftees Josh Bootsma and Kane Lucas, plus ruckman-forward Levi Casboult, as part of the club's dramatic list overhaul.
Blues forward Levi Casboult celebrates a goal with gusto. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun
The Blues have told rivals they are prepared to trade either of the pair if it helps secure coach Michael Malthouse some top-line midfield talent.
The move has surprised other clubs, given Carlton used their first selections in the 2009 and 2011 national drafts to select Lucas and Bootsma.
Carlton has also been linked to Shane Savage from Hawthorn.
Lucas, 22, had his best year this season, averaging 18 touches from 17 games, but he lost his place late in the campaign and missed out on finals.
Bootsma, 20, was played in a key defensive post at times this year but in his nine games in the backline did not take an intercept mark, according to Champion Data. The Blues this year re-signed Bootsma for two more years, until the end of 2015.
Joel Corey in action for the Cats. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun
At Geelong, Chapman's long-time teammate Joel Corey will not be offered a new contract and is expected to retire.
But don't wait for any fanfare as Corey will leave the game as he played it — quietly.
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RICHMOND has ruled out a play for Paul Chapman, but Carlton is interested in the Cats veteran.
Tigers football manager Dan Richardson said the club had made no inquiries about the delisted Chapman.
"I don't know where that comes from," Richardson said.
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"We haven't really had any discussion at all around Chappy so best of luck to him, but not for us at this stage.
"With where our list is at, a younger list, I don't think to bring in a 32-year-old at this stage is the direction we're going in".
Carlton footy boss Andrew McKay said the Blues would look at the three-time premiership player.
"Chappy is a very good player, we would be silly not to explore that option," McKay said.
"But there is a lot of water to go under the bridge."
McKay ruled out recruiting delisted Pie Alan Didak.
North Melbourne coach Brad Scott said Chapman didn't fit into the Roos' drafting strategy given they are focusing on St Kilda's Nick Dal Santo.
Scott said Dal Santo wanted to do the right thing by St Kilda and the ball was in the Saints' court - and the same applied to defender Luke Delaney, who wants to be at Seaford next season.
Melbourne has also ruled out any interest in Chapman, who will be 32 next month.
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THE A-League is on course to set a new attendance record for a single round of matches as fans continue to snap up tickets for the opening weekend of the new season.
The previous record is 93,500, but hitting the 100,000 mark is the aim for this weekend.
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There are only 1,500 tickets remaining for the blockbuster fixture between Central Coast Mariners and Western Sydney Wanderers at the 18,000 seater Bluetongue Stadium, but they are likely to sell quickly on the night.
A crowd of 25,000 is expected to attend Sydney FC's first game of the season against Newcastle at Allianz Stadium on Friday night, but that's down from the 36,000 who attended last season's corresponding fixture.
The excitement surrounding Alessandro Del Piero's first home game, plus the fact that he was coming up against Emile Heskey, boosted sales for that match.
The Melbourne derby at Etihad Stadium is expected to attract 45,000 fans, while a further 7,000 will attend Wellington's opening game against Brisbane Roar at Westpac Stadium.
Adelaide United fans have renewed confidence after the appointment of new coach Josep Gombau and at least 10,000 people are expected to turn up at their match against Perth at Coopers Stadium.
Damien de Bohun, head of the A-League, says the signs are all pointing towards a new attendance record.
"Last season the opening round drew 93,500 fans, but if things stay on track we will beat that mark," De Bohun said.
"There's such a buzz around the league right now and there are so many new stars to drive the interest. We have a great story to tell.
"It would be fantastic to hit the 100,000 mark for the first time."
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WELCOME back Wallabies. It's been a while.
A hat-trick to Israel Folau has helped Australia score a stirring seven-try victory over Argentina in Rosario, and avoid The Rugby Championship wooden spoon in emphatic fashion.
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Despite twice being reduced to 14 men, the Wallabies finally rolled out their A-game and registered their biggest Test win against the Pumas in 13 years. It was also the biggest win by the Wallabies since two 60-point thrashings of USA and Russia at the 2011 World Cup.
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A try to Folau in the second minute silenced the hostile crowd, and though Argentina never gave up, the Wallabies raced out a 25-3 lead before halftime and were never seriously headed.
The Wallaby fullback picked up two more tries just before and after halftime, and five-pointers were grabbed by Adam Ashley-Cooper, Joe Tomane, Benn Robinson and debutant Bernard Foley as well.
Star performances in gold were found all over the park.
Backrowers Michael Hooper and Scott Fardy duelled for man-of-the-match with tireless efforts, and Tomane's constant linebreaking caused the Pumas huge problems.
Collectively, however, it was the maligned Wallaby pack who deserved the greatest plaudits, after enduring an early scrum assault and ultimately gaining dominance over the Puma scrum in the last 10 minutes.
Defensive problems were the only black mark - Argentina's poor handling helped keep them out of jail - but the win provided Ewen McKenzie with a hefty turn of the wheel after early struggles in his coaching reign.
The Wallabies led 25-10 at halftime after a dramatic opening period that saw the Wallabies triple their average per-game try tally, but somehow also show signs of vulnerability as well.
Pumas centre Felipe Contepomi was celebrating his record 87th and last Test but the Wallabies exploited the sentimentality by running plays at the 36-year-old from the get-go.
Tomane burst through a midfield gap in the second minute and though the play broke down, from an ensuing lineout the Wallabies struck.
Spinning the ball wide to Tomane's left wing, the Brumby got half-past Horacio Agulla and offloaded to Folau, who cruised in from five metres out in the second minute.
A third Tomane involvement - again in the midfield off Quade Cooper's pass - unfolded from the re-start but Folau dropped a long pass, and a probable try went begging.
The Aussies had dominance but several more lost balls and a charged down kick from Cooper saw Argentina camp on the Australian line.
For the next eight minutes, the Wallaby scrum came in for hellish treatment in the same spot as seven scrums were packed down.
Four penalties against them saw James Slipper given a yellow-card, but when Benn Robinson replaced him, the next scrum was repelled and the Aussies escaped with a phyrric victory.
Good defensive pressure and some territory saw the Wallabies pick back up however, although Argentina's frequent mistakes helped enormously.
A Christian Lealiifano penalty in the 24th minute saw them actually extend their lead with 14 men, but Nicolas Sanchez pegged it back with a penalty of his own.
A Scott Fardy break down the left sideline saw him go close to scoring but a shoulder charge from Pablo Matera stopped him short - and earned the Puma a yellow card.
The Wallabies made the most of their advantage in the next 10 minutes, with good attacking presusre. Lealiifano hit another penalty in the 30th minute and a second try came three minutes later.
A loose pass from Tevita Kuridrani was re-gathered by Folau, who got outside Juan Imhoff and raced down the right sideline. He fed Genia, who gave it to Adam Ashley-Cooper to race 20 metres and score.
Minutes later Folau strolled in his for his second when a cut-out pass from Rob Simmons gave him a yawning gap.
The Wallabies' unstructured defence was tested by the Pumas, however, and they struck back just before halftime when Cooper, Folau and Genia all missed a stepping run from Marcelo Bosch.
The Wallabies stayed on the field at the break again and it worked to keep their heads in the game.
Two minutes after the game resumed, a nice inside ball from Cooper to Folau when attacking the line saw the fullback shrug off a tackle and race 10 metres in for his third under the posts.
Things looked rosy for the Wallabies and their broad smiles indicated it. They were premature grins.
The Pumas weren't finished with yet, and Australia's worsening defensive problems allowed them to surge back into the game.
After a sustained attack on Australia's line, scrumhalf Martin Landajo punched over from a metre out to bring the Pumas within 15 points.
Things grew more concerning for Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie when Rob Simmons was carded for an off-the-ball, no-arms tackle on Contepomi in the 50th minute.
Australia blew another try minutes later when a Tomane clean break saw Michael Hooper drop a pass cold with a run to the line open.
A Cooper penalty soon after helped ease the pain, however.
Outstanding work by the Wallabies backrow stemmed the bleeding, with Hooper, Scott Fardy and Ben Mowen like rabid dogs in defence and over the ball.
Tomane scooped up a loose ball in the 64th minute and after shrugging off three tackles, the rookie sprinted 50 metres to score and cease the nervous assault on McKenzie's fingernails.
Hooper's amazing performance led directly to the Wallabies final two tries, with a surging run helping Robinson pick up a simple line-run try, and a the flanker offloading to Foley in the final minute to bring up 50 points.
AUSTRALIA 54 (Israel Folau 3, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Bernard Foley, Benn Robinson, Joseph Tomane tries Foley 2, Christian Leali'ifano 2, Quade Cooper cons Leali'ifano 2, Cooper pens) bt ARGENTINA 17 (Marcelo Bosch, Martin Landajo tries Nicolas Sanchez 2 cons pen) at Estadio Gigante de Arroyito. Referee: Wayne Barnes.
See how the action unfolded in our match blog below.
Retire ... Daniel Kerr is set to hang up the boots. Source: News Limited
WEST Coast Eagles star midfielder Daniel Kerr is finally set to confirm his retirement.
A meeting with new Eagles coach Adam Simpson early into the week is expected to formalise the 2006 premiership on-baller's departure.
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An announcement is imminent after 220 senior outings and a horrific injury run late into Kerr's highly accomplished career.
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Kerr, 30, had one more season to run on a lucrative contract but a pay-out agreement has been reached with Eagles management.
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He is believed to originally have made his decision to quit after a month of uncertainty before the surprise resignation of long serving Eagles coach and dual premiership captain John Worsfold.
Kerr's retirement had been set in motion after consultation with Worsfold at the end of the Eagles home-and-away season early last month when the veteran finished nursing nagging knee problems.
He managed just 10 senior appearances this season and last played in the Eagles gut-wrenching seven-point home ground loss to Essendon back in Round 14 in late June.
The gutsy in-and-under play-maker was dogged with serious hamstring, groin and knee problems since he was an imposing figure in the Eagles powerful midfield midway through last decade alongside champion on-ballers Dean Cox, Chris Judd and Ben Cousins.
At the height of his at times sublime talents Kerr finished in the top three of the Brownlow Medal as the game's highest individual honour in 2005 when Cousins won, a year later to Sydney superstar Adam Goodes and then when Geelong ace Jim Bartel took the coveted prize in '07.
But Kerr has been cruelled with injury over the past six seasons and managed just 76 appearances out of a possible 137 games.
His finest return in that troubled time of his career was last year when Kerr made it into all 24 engagements including finals against North Melbourne in Perth and Collingwood at the MCG to average around 23 disposals a game as he negotiated a contract extension to the end of 2014.
On-set of career-threatening knee troubles midway through this season prompted doubts on Kerr's future whether Worsfold would continue as Eagles coach or not.
Worsfold had constantly referred to Kerr's on-going injury woes and whether the champion follower could comply with the rigorous defensive running requirements of a modern day midfielder.
Kerr told a gathering of Eagles teammates of his plans to quit just days before Worsfold resigned.
Speculation then raged that Kerr might be extended an olive branch to play one more season if midfield coach Scott Burns had won the senior appointment.
Burns was overlooked when Simpson won the senior appointment late last week.
Kerr has continued to train at West Coast on a rehabilitation schedule with his knee problem and waiting for a decision on the Eagles appointment of a new coach.
He joins other Eagles 2006 premiership stars Andrew Embley and Adam Selwood, as well as Mark Nicoski and Ashton Hams in retirements from the Eagles playing roster.
Former Collingwood forward Brad Dick also quit last month after two seasons on the Eagles list but did not play a senior game.
