Argentina and Australia played out a thrilling 28-28 draw in the second Test at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza on Saturday, a result that clinched a historic first-ever series victory for the Wallabies on Argentine soil.
Australia had won the opening Test 27-21 in Jujuy a week earlier, and the draw in Mendoza sealed a 1-0 series triumph — the first time an Australian side has won a tour in Argentina. The Puma Trophy returns to Australian hands for the first time since 2022.
A Seesaw Contest
The Wallabies dominated the opening quarter. Captain Harry Wilson crossed in the 20th minute after a well-worked lineout move on the right, with Ryan Lonergan converting for 7-0. Argentina's task was complicated when Franco Molina was sin-binned in the 27th minute for a repeated infringement, and Australia quickly capitalised: Max Jorgensen finished a sweeping move and Lonergan's conversion made it 14-0.
Argentina responded emphatically. Pablo Matera scored in the 36th minute, powering through under the posts after sustained forward pressure, and Ignacio Mendy followed three minutes later, finishing a well-executed set piece. Santiago Carreras converted both tries to level the scores at 14-14 by halftime.
Momentum Swings Both Ways
Australia reclaimed the lead through Fraser McReight seven minutes into the second half, the flanker burrowing over from close range after a dominant scrum. But Argentina hit back through Ignacio Ruiz in the 55th minute after a patient sequence of carries near the Australian line.
Argentina's relentless pressure eventually told. After 23 phases — nearly all one-out runners and pick-and-go — Matera crashed over for his second try on 65 minutes. Carreras converted. For the first time all evening, Argentina led: 28-21.
Discipline Decisive
The match turned on two yellow cards in the space of a minute. Lucio Cinti was penalised for a deliberate knock-on on 68 minutes, and shortly after Santiago Carreras was shown a second yellow for the same offence — a hand outstretched to intercept a pass intended for Filipo Daugunu with Australia attacking close to the Argentine line. Referee James Doleman awarded a penalty try and the score levelled at 28-28.
Argentina were reduced to 13 men for the final ten minutes. Remarkably, they held on. Matera produced a crucial turnover on 72 minutes as Australia attacked down the right, and despite having a two-man advantage, the Wallabies could not find a way through. Wilson made the match-defying tackle on Nicolas Roger in the final play.
The Numbers
The statistics told the story of Argentine dominance in possession and Australian resilience in defence. Argentina recorded 63% possession, made 153 carries — 59 more than Australia — and forced the Wallabies into a remarkable 221 tackles. Fraser McReight alone made 25, while Wilson contributed 22 and Rob Valetini 19.
Yet Australia's efficiency was decisive. The Wallabies made 293 metres from just 94 carries and produced four clean breaks to Argentina's three. Both sides scored four tries; neither missed a conversion.
What It Means
The draw secured a momentous series victory for Australia under coach Les Kiss, whose side remain unbeaten. For Argentina, the result was bittersweet — a performance of sustained physicality and possession that deserved a win, undone in the end by two lapses of discipline in the decisive moments.
Australia now turn their attention to South Africa, who visit later this month for a Test series on home soil.
Sources
- https://wetalkrugby.com/argentina-vs-australia-2nd-test-match-report-mendoza/
- https://rugbyfancentral.com/argentina-australia-rugby-2026-draw/
