Australia outperformed Argentina in Jujuy on Saturday. The Wallabies were 27-21 winners in the first of two test matches between the teams. Los Pumas coaching staff have plenty to think about ahead of game two in Mendoza after the Wallabies were better at lineouts, the breakdown and the aerial game.
Australia led throughout the contest. Their early tries had them in total control before Argentina fought back for a 22-14 deficit at half-time.
The opening try of the match saw the two Australian second-rowers combining with hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa down the left side. The unlikely, and spontaneously, move saw the forwards combining like backs with the hooker scoring in the left corner.
Fly half Carter Gordon scored on 10 minutes to give the Wallabies a 12-0 lead. His try was again about the Wallabies exploiting Los Pumas’ defense. The cover was too thin with Carter getting through the tackle of Simón Benítez Cruz.
Los Pumas needed ton score next and they managed to do so. After a break from winger Rodrigo Isgró, who got a good pass from Santiago Carreras, recycled ball saw fullback Gerónimo Prisciantelli scoring on 14 minutes. However, any suggestion that the momentum was with Argentina ended quickly as Man-of-the-Match, Fraser McReight scored five minutes later. His try was given though camera images left viewers confused as the grounding was not clear.
The teams both added points late in the half. No. 8 Joaquín Moro scored for Argentina after his team won a free-kick from an attacking scrum. Santiago Carreras converted. Then, scrum-half, Ryan Lonergan added a penalty for the Wallabies who went to the interval holding an 8 point lead.
Los Pumas opened the second-half scoring. Loose Head prop, Boris Wenger went over from a pick-and-go for the home side. It came after a clear momentum shift, however, it was temporary as the Wallabies bounced back swiftly with impressive flanker Tom Hooper scoring to make it a 27-21 scoreline on 54 minutes.
Neither team would add further points. The hot conditions in northern Argentina combined with additional factors meant a scoreless final 26 minutes. Factors included the Wallabies happy to defend their lead, Argentina not providing collectiveness as a team, opportunities not being finished off, discipline problems, handling errors, and conceding turnovers.
The match will be studied and plans will advance. The pressure will be on Felipe Contepomi’s Pumas to respond in Mendoza. With just 33 places on the roster for Rugby World Cup 2027, a big game is required or players may not have further chances. In contrast, Les Kiss’ Wallabies are unbeaten in three test matches and now eye a series win in Argentina.
| SCORING |
ARGENTINA (21)
TRY – G Prisciantelli (14′), J Moro (36′), B Wenger (50′)
CON – S Carreras 3/3 (15′, 37′, 51′)
AUSTRALIA (27)
TRY – B Paenga-Amosa (6′), C Gordon (10′), F McReight (19′), T Hooper (54′)
CON – R Lonergan 2/3 (11′, 20′), B Donaldson 0/1
PEN – R Lonergan 1/1 (40′)
YC – H Potter (24′)
| LINE-UPS |
ARGENTINA
1 Boris Wenger, 2 Ignacio Ruiz, 3 Francisco Moreno, 4 Guido Petti (vice-capt.), 5 Tomás Lavanini, 6 Pablo Matera (capt.), 7 Benjamín Grondona, 8 Joaquín Moro, 9 Simón Benítez Cruz, 10 Santiago Carreras (vice-capt.), 11 Ignacio Mendy, 12 Faustino Sánchez Valarolo, 13 Lucio Cinti, 14 Rodrigo Isgró, 15 Gerónimo Prisciantelli
Replacements: 16 Leonel Oviedo, 17 Rodrigo Martínez, 18 Tomás Rapetti, 19 Efraín Elías, 20 Juan Penoucos, 21 Agustín Moyano, 22 Nicolás Roger, 23 Matías Moroni
AUSTRALIA
1 Isaac Kailea, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (capt.), 4 Josh Canham, 5 Jeremy Williams, 6 Tom Hooper, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Rob Valetini, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 10 Carter Gordon, 11 Harry Potter, 12 Hunter Paisami, 13 Isaac Henry, 14 Max Jorgensen, 15 Tom Wright
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Massimo de Lutiis, 19 Lachlan Shaw, 20 Charlie Cale, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
| MATCH HIGHLIGHTS |
| MATCH OFFICIALS |
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand
Assistant Referees: James Doleman (New Zealand), Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
Television Match Official: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
Split Screen/FPRO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
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