In a heart-stopping climax to their Rugby Championship campaign, the Australian Wallabies snatched victory from the jaws of a draw against a tenacious Argentine side, securing a 31-24 win with a try in the final play of the match.
The match, a rollercoaster of momentum swings, seemed destined for a stalemate until a moment of brilliance from fullback Andrew Kellaway broke Puma hearts. Gathering a perfectly executed cross-field kick from Noah Lolesio, Kellaway soared over in the corner to seal a famous win and provide a much-needed boost for coach Eddie Jones.
A Tale of Two Halves in Sydney
The first half was a story of Argentine dominance. The Pumas, physical and precise, capitalised on a slew of Wallaby errors. Winger Mateo Carreras was the beneficiary, dotting down twice to give the visitors a commanding 17-7 lead at the break and leaving the home crowd in a state of nervous silence.
However, the Wallabies emerged from the changing rooms a transformed side. A strategic shift and renewed intensity saw them claw their way back into the contest. Tries from Fraser McReight and the ever-dangerous Marika Koroibete brought the hosts level, setting the stage for a frantic and brutal final quarter.
Kellaway the Hero as Jones Gets Breathing Room
With the clock ticking into the red and the scores locked at 24-24, the Wallabies pressed for one final opportunity. Rather than settling for a penalty shot at goal, they backed their attack. The gamble paid off spectacularly. Lolesio's kick was pinpoint, and Kellaway's finish was clinical, sparking scenes of unbridled joy at the Sydney Football Stadium.
This victory provides crucial respite for under-fire coach Eddie Jones. After a string of disappointing results, this demonstration of resilience and fighting spirit will quieten critics, for now, and offers a tangible building block for the future.
For Michael Cheika's Argentina, it was a devastatingly familiar feeling—a match there for the taking that ultimately slipped away in the cruellest fashion. Despite the loss, their first-half performance proved their capacity to compete with and dominate the best on their day.
