New Zealand ‘long way’ ahead of the pack, admits Michael Cheika

Australia coach Michael Cheika has moved quickly to dampen expectations of a long-awaited upset of the All Blacks, saying the world champions are well in front of the chasing pack.

Australia will take on New Zealand in a title-decider for the abridged Rugby Championship in Sydney on August 8 after a dominant 34-9 win over Argentina in Mendoza.

The All Blacks needed a late try from Richie McCaw to prevail 27-20 against South Africa on Saturday, but they will also head in to the tournament finale full of confidence after edging the high-quality contest at Ellis Park.

"This year it's a little bit closer, but it's very obvious that New Zealand are the best team in the world, and I mean by a long way at this stage," Cheika said. "To beat South Africa like they did, I think they did it pretty easy in the end.

"They've been so consistent over so many years, so just having a couple of wins in the Rugby Championship, you're not going to guarantee anything.

"We've got to work really hard over the next couple of weeks, plan well and really make sure that we run out at ANZ Stadium in a couple of weeks' time ready to make Australian rugby people proud of how we play.

Australia scored two late tries to blow out the margin in Mendoza and flatter a scrappy performance marked by scrum wobbles, ill-discipline and wayward goal-kicking by fly half Bernard Foley.