Australia claim rugby series win over Argentina after 28-28 draw
The Wallabies claimed a hard-fought series win in Mendoza after a chaotic 28-28 draw marred by late ill-discipline from the hosts.
Australia secured a hard-fought rugby series victory over Argentina following a dramatic 28-28 draw in Mendoza. The fixture, marked by late drama and intense competition, leaves the Wallabies with their unbeaten tour record intact while head coach Les Kiss and captain Harry Wilson turn their attention toward upcoming challenges.
The thrilling encounter saw the Wallabies establish an early advantage with first-half tries from Harry Wilson and Max Jorgensen, alongside a conversion by Ryan Lonergan. However, Argentina fought back fiercely. Pablo Matera crossed the line for a brace, supported by tries from Ignacio Mendy and Ignacio Ruiz. According to reporting from Sky Sports, the decisive turning point arrived in the final ten minutes when Argentina's discipline collapsed. Following a yellow card shown to Franco Molina earlier in the contest, late indiscretions by Lucio Cinti and Santiago Carreras left the home side with just 13 men on the pitch.
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Australia seized the opening when Carreras deliberately blocked a pass intended for Filipo Daugunu with an outstretched hand. The resulting penalty try leveled the score and effectively extinguished Argentina's hopes of mounting a late comeback victory. Wallabies captain Harry Wilson reflected on the tricky conditions and the frantic finale in Mendoza.
"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."
Harry Wilson, Wallabies Captain, via Sky Sports
Wilson acknowledged that finishing with a draw after holding a winning sequence was less than ideal, but emphasised the psychological boost of bringing another trophy home. Head coach Les Kiss echoed those sentiments, noting that while securing silverware was the primary objective of the trip, the team's overall performance still requires refinement and robustness as they prepare for further tests.
The international rugby calendar features extensive global action, including the ongoing high-stakes series between South Africa and New Zealand, widely known as Rugby's Greatest Rivalry. Fans across the globe can follow these matches across various broadcasters, with coverage detailed in guides from outlets such as The Independent and Planet Rugby, alongside technical advice via TechRadar and Wales Online.
| Team | Test Result | Key Try Scorers | Disciplinary Sanctions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Drew 28-28 (Won Series) | Harry Wilson, Max Jorgensen, Fraser McReight, Penalty Try | Jeremy Williams (Yellow) |
| Argentina | Drew 28-28 | Pablo Matera (2), Ignacio Mendy, Ignacio Ruiz | Franco Molina, Lucio Cinti, Santiago Carreras (Yellows) |
Looking ahead, Australia must quickly regroup from their bruising encounter in South America. The Wallabies face a daunting assignment next against world champions South Africa, with the fixture scheduled to take place on September 27. Fans looking for further updates across international fixtures can follow ongoing developments via Sport coverage.
