Wallabies held to draw but claim maiden series win over Argentina

Sat, Sep 5, 2026, 11:22 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

The Wallabies have been held to a 28-all draw against Argentina in Mendoza, claiming a maiden away series win in Argentina.

In doing so, the side remains undefeated under coach Les Kiss as the visitors couldn't find a way through to complete the sweep.

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

The Australians had their chance late after Los Pumas went down to 13 after a pair of deliberate knock downs.

Luco Cinti Luna and Santiago Carreras both went to the bin, with Carreras' infringement resulting in a penalty try.

The hosts held strong and kept the Wallabies out, booting the ball into touch as the Aussies searched for a defensive turnover.

It's the fourth draw between the two nations in their history.

The Wallabies were asked to do their fair share of defending to start the break before Harry Wilson nabbed the opener amid some confusion.

The skipper was initially denied after smart hands down the short side put the number eight into space, only for the assistant referee to put his flag up. Referee James Doleman let play continue and awarded the try, but the call that Ryan Lonergan was in touch was confirmed from the TMO.

It only delayed the inevitable as Wilson crashed over in the 19th minute close to the posts.

The pressure of the visitors inside the 22 continued to deliver results, leaving Franco Molina to head to the bin for four infringements by the team inside a two minute period.

Max Jorgensen used the numbers for his second try of the year before Argentina fought back.

Jeremy Williams’ yellow card levelled the players on the field and Los Pumas levelled the scores at the break, first through captain Matera.

Ignacio Mendy sliced through two minutes later, with the Wallabies very lucky not to concede at half-time, surviving thanks to a clutch defensive read from Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

Fraser McReight got the Wallabies back in front to start the second half, diving over from close range.

Los Pumas hooker Ignacio Ruiz answered with a try as the visitors were made to pay for their exit issues.

With the momentum at the hosts’ back, Matera made the killer blow to get Argentina in front with 15 minutes to go.

The skipper came up with his maiden brace after 23 phases on the Australian line.

But their discipline was their undoing, first Cinti heading for his knock-down as his captain Carreras followed.

The Wallabies won a late turnover with five to go to get field position but struggled for an answer as Carter Gordon went off, forcing Ryan Lonergan into 10.

A late mistake allowed Argentina to control the clock and whilst they initially went for the winner, they salvaged the draw.

Argentina 28 (Tries: Matera 2, Mendy, Ruiz; Cons: Carreras 4/4) drawn with Wallabies (Tries: Wilson, Jorgensen, McReight, Penalty Try; Cons: Lonergan 3/3)

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