MENDOZA, Argentina: The Australia-Argentina draw ended 28-28 on Saturday as the Wallabies failed to exploit a late two-man advantage but still secured a 1-0 series victory.
The result ended Australia’s four-match winning run and marked coach Les Kiss’s first match without a victory since taking charge. However, the Wallabies completed their first series win in Argentina.
Australia captain Harry Wilson opened the scoring midway through the first half. Max Jorgensen then extended the lead after Argentina lock Franco Molina received a yellow card.
Argentina responded after Australia lock Jeremy Williams went to the sin bin. Captain Pablo Matera scored before Ignacio Mendy broke through to level the match at 14-14 by halftime.
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Fraser McReight restored Australia’s lead after the interval, but hooker Ignazio Ruiz answered for Argentina. Matera later scored his second try after the Pumas completed a 23-phase attack.
Argentina then lost Lucio Cinti and Santiago Carreras to yellow cards for deliberate knock-ons. Carreras’ infringement also led to a penalty try, bringing Australia level at 28-28. Despite playing the final 10 minutes with a two-man advantage, the Wallabies could not find the winning score.
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The draw also ended Argentina’s three-match losing streak. The Pumas have recorded one victory this calendar year, against Wales in July.
