Kiss’s winning ways continue as Wallabies outlast Argentina

Les Kiss’s unbeaten run continued as Australia posted a third straight win under the new Wallabies coach with a tense 27-21 win over Argentina in San Salvador de Jujuy.

The forwards yet again stood up for the Wallabies, scoring three of the side’s four tries in a gritty performance that included a good share of close-quarter combat.

The Wallabies led 19-7 early in the game, but Argentina fought back to trail by just one point with 30 minutes remaining. But a 54th-minute try from Tom Hooper pushed the Wallabies back out to a six-point lead, one they held on to in a see-sawing final 25 minutes.

Australia’s mistakes down the stretch allowed the Pumas to stay in the contest. But key turnovers won by flanker Fraser McReight in the dying stages saw the Wallabies stave off disaster and claim the tight victory.

It is the first time the Wallabies have won three straight games since Kiss’ predecessor Joe Schmidt began with the Wallabies in 2024.

The victory came with several key players sitting in the stands - with captain Harry Wilson rested and Len Ikitau not used. It did come at a price, however, with in-form halfback Ryan Lonergan taken from the field in the second half with a shoulder injury.

The Wallabies led 22-14 at halftime after an opening half where they had the majority of possession and territory.

The Pumas defence had plenty of starch early for the Wallabies’ one-out runners but some attacking space - and the first points - was finally found with some slick handling and running on the left edge.

And it was all performed by forwards, when Josh Canham got free as an extra man after quick hands on the left, before dropping a switch of play to lock partner Jeremy Williams, who also ran left and almost made the line. He offloaded to Brandon Paenga-Amosa just short of the line for a sixth-minute try.

The Wallabies marched back downfield straight away, after stealing a lineout and then winning a penalty from a contestable kick. A lineout drive was stopped, but Carter Gordon charged onto a ball from a goal line ruck and scored a second five-pointer for Australia.

At 12-0 after 10 minutes, things were going well, but the Pumas responded quickly.

A nice inside pass move near a midfield ruck found a gap and fullback Gerónimo Priscinatelli surged over soon after off quick phase ball.

The Wallabies got the benefit of poor Argentina discipline in the next sequence when they were helped back down to the hosts’ line. Multiple lineout drives were repelled before a Fraser McReight pick-and-drive from loose play gave Australia a third try inside the opening 19th minutes.

The Pumas were told they were close to a yellow card, but it was the Wallabies who lost a man. Harry Potter was binned in the 24th minute when he stuck a hand out and knocked down a pass in his own 22.