Australia ran out convincing 51-17 winners over Argentina, in the second round of the 2001 Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile.

The Aussies now face New Zealand on Wednesday in the third round in a repeat of last year's Junior World Cup semi final.

The 2000 game between the two teams was drawn 5-5 with Australia going through to the final after triumphing in a penalty shoot-out. Defending Junior World Cup Champions France will meet Wales in the other semi final.

If both France and Australia advance, then the final will be a repeat match of the 2000 decider where France narrowly took the title over first-time tournament entrant Australia.

The Australian squad dominated the game against Argentina up front and produced eight tries, but much of their success was based on great defence. They dominated the line-outs, with seven stolen on Argentina's throw-in keeping Argentina scoreless until the Australians had opened up the lead to 15-0.

The impressive defence was matched by the team's scoring prowess, with centre Gene Fairbanks posting a try with Shane Arnold converting to begin Australian's scoring streak. The lead was maintained throughout the first half, with the half-time score at 22-5.

During the second half Argentina began a come back effort, but their two tries to Australia's three were not enough to break the commanding lead. Australian captain for the day Luke Cross concluded.

"We are extremely happy, it was a great win. We are still on the journey."

England, losers to France in the second round now face Uruguay in Group A while the French face Wales who beat Uruguay 30-3. Scotland bounced back from defeat by England to crush Korea 64-19 and they now play Ireland, 29-3 victors over hosts Chile.

In the closest game of the second round in Group A Romania and Italy played out an 18 all draw but Italy were given the win having scores three tries to two.

In Group B Spain, Canada, Georgia and Russia kept up their winning way with defeats of Poland, Ukraine, USA and Lithuania respectively.

Click here for all the results from Chile.