Argentina supporters made all the noise at Twickenham on Sunday but it was the Australians who celebrated as the Wallabies booked their place in the Rugby World Cup final.
Australia won the semi-final 29-15 but there was no doubt who won the noise wars in the Twickenham stands packed with 80,025 people.
Argentina's football superstar Diego Maradona was among those roaring on the Pumas, but his presence could not inspire a South American victory.
Australia will face defending champions New Zealand in Saturday's final at Twickenham.
"I think it will be an amazing final. We've never played our oldest rivals in the final before," said Rob, 30, from Perth in Western Australia.
"If Australia and New Zealand both turn it on, it's going to be like a nuclear explosion. It will be as if Mars collided with Venus. It's going to be one for the history books and I can't wait."
Michael, 34, from Sydney, said: "I'm very happy but a little bit worried about the final because we've been inconsistent. If we play like we did against Scotland, it will be tough, but if we play like we did against England, it will be OK."
Maradona had the national flag draped around his broad shoulders. When the stadium cameras focused on the portly 54-year-old, his eyes bulged as he said "Come on, Argentina!" in Spanish and blew a kiss.
Meanwhile Prince Harry, honorary president of the England 2015 organisers, was also in the crowd.
- Thirsty work for Maradona -
Cries of "Argentina! Argentina!" filled the stadium, but within seconds they were silenced when Rob Simmons stole a Nicolas Sanchez pass and scored a simple 2nd-minute try.
Argentina coach Daniel Hourcade put his hands on his head and looked to the skies.
But despite wing Adam Ashley-Cooper adding two further tries for Australia, the Argentina fans remained the most vocal, chanting "Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole! Pumas! Pumas!"
They were incensed in the 26th minute when referee Wayne Barnes sent lock Tomas Lavanini to the sin bin for a clumsy challenge on Israel Folau.
Meanwhile Maradona made light work of downing a refreshing drink before punching the air to cheer on his team.
Pumas fans still had hope at half-time, with Australia 19-9 ahead.
"I wouldn't underestimate us in the second half. We are still within 10 points and the team will give it all they have," said Roddy Dodd, from Buenos Aires.
Meanwhile Christian Fini, from Perth, said of the noisy Argentinian support: "They might not have the numbers, but they have the edge."
At 15-22 down, Argentinians turned up the volume even more as the Pumas tried in vain to punch a hole in the Wallabies' defence.
But they became cries of horror when man-of-the-match Ashley-Cooper completed his hat-trick with eight minutes to go, leaving Hourcade in tears at the final whistle.
"It was amazing rugby, especially in the last 15 minutes. Argentina kept on coming and I'm really proud of those guys. There was a lot of emotion," said Pumas fan Ben Martens.
Guido Salomone, 28, from Buenos Aires, said: "We congratulate Australia. They played better rugby. I feel really sad. This was our chance to get to the final.
"But if the result is good or bad, we are always going to support our team," he said, kissing the badge on his shirt with pride.
Source: AFP
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