In a bruising and rain-affected encounter in Mendoza, the Argentine Pumas clawed their way to a gritty 24-17 victory over a struggling Australian side, kicking off their 2024 Rugby Championship campaign on a triumphant note.
The match, played under heavy skies, was a story of resilience and seizing opportunities. The Pumas built their win on a foundation of a formidable 15-point lead established in the first half, a cushion that proved just enough to withstand a late Wallabies fightback.
First Half Dominance Seals the Deal
The home side exploded out of the gates, with veteran winger Mateo Carreras crossing for the game's opening try within the first ten minutes. The reliable boot of fly-half Santiago Carreras compounded Australia's misery, slotting penalties to keep the scoreboard ticking over and capitalising on a litany of Wallabies errors.
By the halftime whistle, Argentina had built a commanding 15-3 lead, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb in the second half.
Wallabies' Fightback Falls Short
Australia emerged from the break with renewed vigour. A try from replacement Josh Flook, converted by Noah Lolesio, injected a pulse into the contest and narrowed the gap. However, Argentina instantly responded with a crucial try from replacement scrum-half Tomás Cubelli, restoring their composure and a vital 12-point advantage.
A late try from Australia's captain, Allan Alaalatoa, set up a nail-biting finale, but it was too little, too late for Eddie Jones's men. The final whistle confirmed a well-deserved, if not entirely polished, victory for the Pumas.
A Tale of Errors and Conditions
The match was far from a classic, heavily influenced by the wet conditions. Both sides were guilty of handling errors and ill-discipline, with the set-piece becoming a fiercely contested battleground. In the end, Argentina's ability to adapt to the challenging weather and their superior goal-kicking made the critical difference, handing new Wallabies coach Eddie Jones a defeat in his first match back in charge.
