Argentina vs Wallabies recap: Perfect Kiss steers Australia to stirring away win
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Australia defeat Argentina to maintain unbeaten start for Kiss
Tom Hooper scored a crucial second half try in a superb all-round display as Australia defeated a young Argentina side 27-21 in the opening match of their two-Test tour in San Salvador de Jujuy.
Australia won the forward battle with the dynamic Hooper and back row teammates Fraser McReight and No.8 Rob Valetini giving the visitors the ascendancy as new coach Les Kiss was able to celebrate a third successive win since taking over.
It was his most impressive against a largely inexperienced but energetic Argentina who had run world champions South Africa close earlier in the month and thrive on chaos.
Australia scored four tries through hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa, flyhalf Carter Gordon, McReight and Hooper and took their chances, mixed with some scrambling defence.
Argentina might rue some soft moments on defence but scored three tries themselves as fullback Geronimo Prisciantelli, No.8 Joaquin Moro and prop Boris Wenger all crossed.
There were enough positives for the home side to move on to the second test in imposing Mendoza next weekend with some confidence, though they will want to be much better in possession.
By contrast, some slick handling from the Australia forwards ended with Paenga-Amosa scoring the opening try, before Gordon added a second score.
Prisciantelli crossed for Argentina’s first try following fine work from wing Rodrigo Isgro, but McReight added a third for the visitors soon afterwards.
Following a yellow card for wing Harry Potter after a deliberate knockdown, Australia had to weather heavy pressure and Moro crossed as the visitors led 22-14 at halftime.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa of the Wallabies holds up the trophy. Getty Images
Wenger added another score to reduce the deficit to one point, but the momentum swung again when almost immediately Hooper scored Australia’s fourth try.
The visitors missed the chance to kill the contest as replacement Tate McDermott was held up over the line when he seemed certain to score.
But poor handling in the closing minutes again denied Argentina the chance to launch a final assault on the Australian line and the visitors held on for victory.
Les Kiss greets Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Rob Valetini. Getty Images
Gritty new-look Wallabies upset Argentina in five-year first
It wasn’t pretty but it was a win. And wins are becoming a regular thing for the Wallabies after they overcame Los Pumas 27-21 in Argentina on Sunday (AEST).
In fact, the Wallabies have made it four in a row for the first time since 2021 as Les Kiss repeated Joe Schmidt’s feat by winning his first three Tests in charge.
Wallabies celebrate famous win at altitude
The Wallabies are celebrating a famous win at altitude as hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa gets his hands on some silverware.
Winners are grinners.
The Wallabies celebrate with the trophy. Getty Images
McReight awarded man of the match
Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight has been awarded man of the match after another sterling shift.
McReight scored a try to go with his usual massive contributions at the breakdown and in support play.
Gritty Wallabies overtake Argentina on world rankings
That win means the Wallabies overtake Argentina and jump into seventh place on the world rankings.
It is also the first time Australia has won four straight Tests since 2021.
These two teams will do battle against next weekend in Mendoza.
Fulltime: Wallabies 27, Argentina 21
The Wallabies have repelled a final wave of Pumas attack and have held on for a 27-21 upset win in Jujuy!
That’s a huge result for the Aussies as Les Kiss remains unbeaten as Test coach.
The new look forward pack really stood up and assistant coaches Tom Donnelly and John Ulugia deserve a big pat on the back for that.
Tim Horan also praises centre Hunter Paisami for a big game on Stan Sport.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii also came off the bench and put in a solid shift.
“A great performance from the Wallabies,” Horan said.
Williams try ruled out for Australia
Lock Jeremy Williams thought he had scored a massive try for Australia, but replays show he lost possession in contact.
The Wallabies still lead 27-21 after 71 minutes and now have an attacking scrum.
Huge moments.
Hooper strikes another blow for new-look pack
Tom Hooper strikes another blow for this new-look Wallabies pack!
They are standing up in Jujuy as the flanker reaches out to score.
Ben Donaldson is now on the park and misses the conversion.
Will that come back to haunt the tourists?
They lead 27-21 after 55 minutes with lock Josh Canham again impressive.
Tom Hooper of the Wallabies scores a try while being tackled by Ignacio Ruiz. Getty Images
Pumas bring crowd alive with close-quarters try
The Pumas bring the crowd alive again with a close-quarters try by prop Boris Wenger.
The loosehead was very emotional during the national anthem, and now he brings Argentina right back into the contest.
The Wallabies’ lead is now 22-21 after 52 minutes.
Argentina try scrubbed out for forward pass
Pumas fullback Geronimo Prisciantelli was initially awarded his second try of the afternoon but TMO Richard Kelly rightly rules that it came from a forward pass.
Australia hold on to that 22-14 lead after 49 minutes.
