In years gone by the Wallabies have lost the close ones. They didn’t against Argentina, coming from behind to seal a 20-19 victory.
The fact the Wallabies never went away says a lot about their character and growing maturity.
First-time Wallabies captain Harry Wilson’s decision-making was strong, while Noah Lolesio didn’t always get it right. But when the game was up for grabs, he ran the ball and put the Wallabies at the right end of the field with his linebreak.
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So how did the players rate?
The Wallabies celebrate their win over Los Pumas in La Plata, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
Tom Wright – 7
On a wet evening, Wright was safe and summed the situation well for the Wallabies.
The fullback also managed to free his arms to send Jake Gordon in for Australia’s first try.
Andrew Kellaway – 5
It wasn’t a night for the wingers. Kellaway rarely touched the ball and missed a couple of tackles. In a Test with many stars, Kellaway was barely mentioned.
Len Ikitau – 9
Arguably the Wallabies’ best. The outside centre managed to beat five defenders, including two, as well as offload to Marika Koroibete, in the lead up to Rob Valetini’s try.
Earlier, his neat footwork in tight and offloading skills allowed Tom Wright to find some space ahead of Gordon’s opening try.
Sorry Eddie, how did Ikitau not get selected for last year’s World Cup?
Len Ikitau carries against Los Pumas in the third round of The Rugby Championship. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
Hamish Stewart – 6
It wasn’t necessarily highlight reel stuff, but Stewart’s progression to the international arena was everything you would expect.
Stewart distributed well and he was the glue in defence in the midfield making 11 tackles – the most from a Wallabies back.
Marika Koroibete – 5
Koroibete gave away a couple of penalties, including tackling the man in the air, but the Wallabies winger played his part in the team’ second try as he burst onto Ikitau’s offload.
Noah Lolesio – 6
The jury is still out on whether Lolesio is the Wallabies’ best long-term option in the No.10 jersey, but the playmaker still played his part in the side’s gritty win.
Although his decision-making could be called into question around the 66th minute as he threw a hospital pass to Carlo Tizzano and then an even worse pass to Nick Frost, Lolesio also found space and put the Wallabies at the right end of the field with his break in the 76th minute.
Lolesio also showed more patience in attack and took the line on.
Overall, it was a step forward.
Jake Gordon – 7
Scored a try and was quick to the breakdown.
Gordon’s kicking didn’t always come off, but the Wallabies’ tactics were on point in the wet.
Harry Wilson – 8
One shocker from a kick restart, but Wilson led the Wallabies well.
The 90th man to skipper the Wallabies, the captain’s decision-making was sound.
The No.8’s work-rate was strong, as he got through 15 tackles and carried 13 times.
Carlo Tizzano – 9
Three turnovers, but Tizzano arrived on the international stage with his dogged game in the trenches.
Fraser McReight will return for the Bledisloe series, but the new No.7 has given Schmidt something to think about. He made 22 tackles to go along with his mistakes.
Rob Valetini – 9
A few weeks ago Jean de Villiers questioned whether the Wallabies had one world class player. Well, the body of work Valetini is producing would now have him in the conversation.
Bobby V scored the Wallabies’ second try, and his work on both sides of the ball was impeccable.
The loose forward hits hard and always dents the line even if he doesn’t break it.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – 7.5
After an early dropped ball, Salakaia-Loto produced his best performance this year.
Made ten tackles in defence, carried the ball on eight occasions and was a pest at the lineout.
Nick Frost – 5
Two dropped takes from kick-off restarts saw Frost lose a couple of points, but he was still effective at the lineout.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto competes in the lineout against Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
Taniela Tupou – 6.5
It might not have been the eye-catching display he usually delivers, but Tupou was strong on both sides of the ball and won penalties at the scrum.
The other aspect that stood out about the Tongan Thor was his ultra-impressive work rate. Los Pumas tested the Wallabies around the ruck and Tupou was up to the task.
Matt Faessler – 6.5
After missing the second Boks beating, Faessler returned and was accurate with his core skills.
Angus Bell – 8
Quality on both sides of the ball, Bell returned to the field in the second half when Isaac Kailea was forced off.
Bell made 17 tackles, carried well and had a good battle at the scrum.
Reserves
Josh Nasser – 6
Hit the mark when he needed to with his late throw.
Isaac Kailea – N/A
The replacement loosehead prop was forced off shortly after entering the field.
Allan Alaalatoa – 6.5
Made an impact off the bench, Alaalatoa managed to get well over the gain line before Ikitau’s match-defining tackle busts ahead of Valetini’s try.
Jeremy Williams – 6
Didn’t put a foot wrong after replacing Salakaia-Loto.
Langi Gleeson – N/A
Came on late.
Tate McDermott – 6
One nice snipe in the dying stages. McDermott didn’t have too many opportunities in the final quarter after replacing Gordon.
Ben Donaldson – N/A
Nailed the late penalty but only came on in the final minutes.
Max Jorgensen – 5
Spilt a difficult pass on the run, but otherwise didn’t put a foot wrong.
