Wallabies settle for draw, take historic series win
Murray Wenzel |
The Wallabies have missed a chance to pinch victory against an undermanned Argentina in a 28-28 draw in Mendoza that still secured a historic series win against Los Pumas.
Chasing a fifth-straight win and fourth in a row under new coach Les Kiss, the visitors benefited from back-to-back Argentina yellow cards for deliberate knock-ons that left the hosts two short for most of the final 10 minutes.
But with Carter Gordon also off injured – halfbacks Kalani Thomas and Ryan Lonergan acted as playmakers – the hosts coughed up possession and then knocked on as Los Pumas hung on.
Australia’s 27-21 win in San Salvador a week earlier secured a first series win in Argentina for the side, who had copped heavy losses in the return leg on both of their previous visits.
The Wallabies led 14-0 after tries to skipper Harry Wilson and winger Max Jorgensen, after clever build-up from the forwards.
But the hosts, in four-degree weather and sleeting rain, found their feet to level and then threaten to go ahead after the half-time buzzer when Tom Wright gave away a needless penalty for a stray forearm after touching the ball dead for what should have been the end of play.
Flanker Fraser McReight hit the ruck at pace to give the Wallabies the lead back but the hosts lifted, dominant rolling mauls and precision kicking leading to back-to-back tries that put them clear, 28-21, with 15 minutes to play.
The game turned again when Argentinian centre Lucio Cinti was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on with 12 minutes to play.
Seconds later fullback Santiago Carreras followed him, while also giving away a penalty try, when he stuck a hand out to deny Filipo Daugunu a certain try.
That levelled things 28-28 with 10 minutes to play, but two-try captain Pablo Matera won a crucial penalty defending the ruck and the Wallabies’ efforts to find the match-winner were fruitless in a frustrating finale.
AAP