Australia's charitable performance handed Argentina a share of the 28-28 draw in Mendoza, ending the Wallabies' winning streak at four matches. Optimists will point to a first Australian series victory in Argentina and an unbeaten run for Les Kiss's side, now the longest since 2021. The truth, however, is less palatable.
The Wallabies looked dominant for the first half-hour thanks to their hard-working pack, leading 14-0 with five minutes left in the first half. They were fortunate to go into the break level at 14-14. After conceding the lead, Australia fought back, levelling at 28-28 with 10 minutes to go, and looked certain to win with Argentina down to 13 players due to two yellow cards. But poor execution let the home side escape with a draw.
Captain and Coach Reflect on Missed Opportunity
“In that last 10 minutes, they played the conditions really well, knowing they’re a few men down, it’s a bit slippery on the deck, and they just tried to hold on to the ball for as long as they can,” said Wallabies captain Harry Wilson. “The boys were hurting with the result. We really wanted to win that, and there’s a lot of disappointment.”
The Wallabies now have three weeks until they face the Springboks in Perth, the standard bearers in world rugby, who defeated the All Blacks this weekend. “We’ve obviously had a few wins in a row, and to get a draw tonight is not ideal,” Wilson said. “But to bring another trophy home, it hopefully brings a bit of momentum and some confidence in the group going to the Springboks.”
Context and Key Moments
Australia's past two visits to Argentina ended in heavy defeats, including a 67-27 loss in 2024, the most points Australia had ever conceded in Test rugby. With that context, this draw was meaningful. “The boys are a little bit disappointed that they just didn’t go on with it for sure,” Kiss said. “Mixed feelings in a way, but there is something that we did come here to achieve, and we got that, that’s for sure – the areas of the game, the rugby bit, trying to get some areas of our game a little bit better and a bit more robust. And we’ve got things to work on for sure.”
Scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan was short of his best, with head injury assessments forcing Ben Donaldson and Carter Gordon to rotate outside him for much of the match. Gordon was unable to finish the game after clutching his leg in agony following a tackle. Kiss said the injury was the result of an impact, but would not know the severity until after a scan.
Errors and Improvement Needed
Winger Filipo Daugunu had a mixed night, including knocking off from the kick-off, as did fullback Tom Wright, who produced a wild end to the first half. Wright took the wrong kicking option, then casually stepped out when trying a clearing kick, handing the home side a lineout from which they levelled. He was also penalised for elbowing an opponent, but Australia escaped to the break level.
Kiss said the side must improve its game management. “We’re not going to catastrophise it, but there’s one or two key moments, three moments, that just allows them to stay in the game,” he said. “The boys are talking about it. They know there’s a little bit more we can improve in terms of establishing how we get our exits properly, how we turn the ball back in front of our forwards at the right time. Two or three moments is all we’re talking about, but that’s Test rugby, it comes back to bite you.”
A strong start to the second half helped Australia regain the lead, but Lonergan had his clearing kick charged down, pinning them in their 22, and within minutes Argentina were level. Kiss praised the team's improving line speed and aggression at the edge of defence, but warned it will count for little if decision-making with the ball does not improve.
“The problem is at times we’re probably not managing the game [to get] away from our third of the pitch enough times. When we get up to the other [attacking] third, we’re definitely making sure we make hay while the sun shines and those opportunities we get up there, we do convert well,” Kiss said. “We’re just probably, two steps, three steps forward and controlling the game. And then suddenly … we’re back on our back foot again.” The Wallabies must address their wastefulness, or else the Springboks will prey.
