Twitter Reacts to Australia's Rugby World Cup Semi-Final Win over Argentina

Australia took on Argentina at Twickenham on Sunday afternoon, in the second semi-final of Rugby World Cup 2015.

The winners would win through to a decider against New Zealand, while the losers would have to lace up for a third-place playoff on Friday night.

Australia were the favourites, advancing from the so-called "Pool of Death" before narrowly avoiding defeat at the hands of Scotland in last week's controversial quarter-final.

Argentina came out of their group as runners-up to the All Blacks, and they thrashed Ireland in Cardiff to earn a spot in the last four.

They were up against it early on, when Rob Simmons intercepted a pass from Nicolas Sanchez to score in the second minute.

They narrowed the gap with a penalty, but then Adam Ashley-Cooper crossed in the corner to make it 14-3 after just 10 minutes.

Despite their slow start, the Pumas had some well-known support high up in the stands at Twickenham:

"

Maradona having a great time #ARGvAUS https://t.co/bK4l334alD

— Rugby Banter Page (@RugbyBanterPag3) October 25, 2015"

Argentina had a predictable nemesis in Australia's David Pocock.

And the Wallabies' forward pack were immense in defending their line...

While Bernard Foley did his best to show off all his athleticism:

But as Argentina nudged over a penalty to get within eight points, referee Wayne Barnes called Tomas Lavanini for a penalty and issued a yellow card. Fans were less than impressed:

And Australia made their one man advantage pay, dragging the Argentine defence from one side to the other before Ashley-Cooper latched onto a long pass to cross for a second try in the 32nd minute.

The Pumas knocked over another penalty as they were restored to 15 players, and were lucky to still be in the game at half time after all that had gone against them.

While the half-time interval threw up one of the most fascinating debates of the tournament so far:

As the second half got back under way, Bernard Foley missed a regulation penalty, before Sanchez converted one of his own, making it a seven-point game and bringing out a few nerves from the Wallabies' support:

Willed on by the home crowd, the Pumas pushed for a try and a chance to bring themselves level with Australia.

But instead it was the Wallabies who scored the next try to all but guarantee a spot in next week's final. Drew Mitchell made a blistering burst down the left wing, cut inside and eventually swung it wide for Ashley-Cooper to register a hat-trick and book a showdown against the All Blacks.

Argentina couldn't produce a consolation try in the final moments and were consigned to a 29-15 loss, but they earned the respect of the rugby world.

Meanwhile, Australia look forward to what promises to be an epic final in six days' time.

[Twitter]