Match Summary
In Mendoza, Argentina, Australia secured a 28-28 draw against the Pumas in the second rugby test on Saturday, thanks to a penalty try awarded with ten minutes remaining. This result gave the Wallabies a 1-0 series victory, following their 27-21 win in the first test. Australia had led in both halves, but Argentina captain Pablo Matera scored two tries, first leveling the score at halftime and then putting his team ahead for the first time in the 64th minute.[S1]
Despite being reduced to 13 men late in the match, Argentina defended bravely to deny Australia a fifth consecutive test win and a first series sweep in Argentina. However, the Wallabies still claimed their first series win in the country. Australia will rue missed opportunities, as they couldn't exploit their numerical advantage to score a winning try, with the Pumas' forwards holding onto the ball in the final stages.[S1]
Key Moments
Australia made a shaky start when winger Filipo Daugunu dropped the opening kickoff, but they weathered the early pressure. Argentina dominated the aerial game and used quick set-piece ball effectively. Australia looked dangerous when they kept possession, opening a 14-0 lead by the 28th minute with tries from captain Harry Wilson and winger Max Jorgensen. Wilson scored in the 20th minute after a scrum penalty and strong carries, while Jorgensen darted in from the right wing to take Ryan Lonergan's pass.[S1]
Argentina fought back in the final four minutes of the first half. Matera scored his first try in the 36th minute after calling for a scrum from a penalty, and winger Ignacio Mendy leveled the scores right on halftime after a lineout move. Australia regained the lead with a try from Fraser McReight early in the second half, but Argentina responded through hooker Ignacio Ruiz to make it 21-21. Matera's second try put Argentina ahead for the first time, but late sin-binnings for Lucio Cinti and Santiago Carreras led to the penalty try that sealed the draw.[S1]
