Five things we learnt from Wallabies - Argentina

Sat, Sep 5, 2026, 11:29 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

The Wallabies will leave Argentina with the Puma Trophy after a 28-all draw with Argentina in Mendoza.

The two teams were tied at the end of both halves, continuing the history of drawn encounters between the two nations.

Watch every second of the Wallabies' Tests against Argentina live and on demand via Stan Sport.

But what did we learn?

1. Missed opportunity 

Wallabies coach Les Kiss was bang on when he said post-match the side let Argentina off the hook.

The series win should be celebrated, and it cannot be overstated how tough that is, even with Argentina missing a host of talent.

But moments towards the end of each half were costly, most particularly the inability to strike with a two player advantage.

Credit to Argentina for how they managed the clock but the Aussies couldn’t take their chances when it appeared.

The unbeaten run continues under Kiss, with the coach knowing improvements are needed before they face South Africa.

2. Gordon injury history concerning 

The news of Carter Gordon limping off late in the game is a real concern for the Wallabies heading forward.

Gordon has stamped himself as the Wallabies' form 10; however, his continual bad luck with injuries is now a major issue. Calf issues kept him out against Italy and Japan and a head knock in the first Test against Argentina took him off.

It forced Ryan Lonergan into flyhalf late in the game, with the lack of continuity showing in the late-game attack.

Ben Donaldson produced a solid performance in his first start in two years and looms as the starter if Gordon’s injury is serious.

3. Defensive step forward

There’s a growing confidence around the Wallabies' goal-line defence that is clear to see under new assistant Scott McLeod.

The Wallabies were asked to make more than 100 more tackles than their opposition and, for the most part, repelled Argentina.

There were moments of brilliance from Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Filipo Daugunu to hold them out, especially Suaalii's rush up right before the break.

Nine Wallabies made double-digit tackles, Fraser McReight leading the way with 27 with a shoutout to Massimo De Lutiis for 16 in 28 minutes off the bench.

4. Leaders by name, leaders by nature 

Both captains had storming games for their respective sides, with Pablo Matera in particular turning back the clock.

Matera lifted for his understrength side, nabbing a double that put them in front late in the game. His turnover down two players was also huge in controlling the territory.

Harry Wilson delivered just as good a showing on his return. The number eight crashed over for the opener after initially being denied, making a monster 23 tackles and topping the forwards for metres (30.5m).

The reality for the Wallabies backrow is it feels there’s no wrong combination; such is the depth in the system.

5. Handling the momentum

The visitors found themselves in a replay of their loss to France in Brisbane, compounding a surging opposition with silly mistakes for further points.

Up 14-0 after 33 minutes, a yellow card to Jeremy Williams swung the momentum Argentina’s way and they pounced. This was furthered at half-time when the decision to go short with the kick-off allowed another Argentina attack, with Tom Wright giving away a penalty on the break for an errant forearm.

The actions were unnecessary and very much could’ve been a card, with Argentina suddenly tied at the break.

The Wallabies did so well last week to handle the time down to 14 yet this period erased what was another strong start. 

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