Wallabies chase first five-Test winning run in five years against Argentina in Mendoza

The Wallabies can record their first five-Test winning streak since 2021 when they face Argentina in the second Test of their series at Mendoza’s Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, with interim head coach Les Kiss yet to taste defeat in charge.

Australia’s run began with Joe Schmidt’s final match — a 57-10 demolition of Italy — before Kiss took over and guided the side to wins over Japan twice and a hard-fought 27-21 victory against Los Pumas in Jujuy last weekend. Kiss is now three from three as head coach, mirroring Schmidt’s own opening record of three consecutive wins against Wales and Georgia.

The last time the Wallabies won five straight Tests was between September 12 and October 23, 2021, under Dave Rennie, a run that included back-to-back victories over the Springboks on Australian soil. Replicating that feat would represent a significant turnaround for a side that lost 10 of 15 Tests last season.

Winger Max Jorgensen acknowledged the significance of the current run while insisting the squad’s attention remains on the job at hand. “Everyone wants to be in a winning changeroom after a Test match. To do it four times in a row now is pretty special,” he told reporters. “We’re not focusing on that too much. Obviously winning Test rugby is what you want but that’s all in the past now. We’re focusing on this week ahead against Argentina and looking to make it five in a row.”

Jorgensen also pointed to the broader context of the Rugby World Cup, which is now less than 13 months away. “The World Cup is going to be massive and I think everyone has it in the back of their mind, just sitting there. We look forward a little bit but not too much. We know that a lot of these games here will help us build into that World Cup next year.”

History offers a mixed picture for Australia heading into Saturday’s match. The Wallabies have never won the second Test of a multi-Test series in Argentina after taking the opener — Los Pumas have bounced back on all three previous occasions. However, Australia hold a 3-1 all-time record at the Mendoza venue, including three consecutive wins there dating back to July 2015, which will provide some encouragement for Kiss and his squad.

With eight Tests still to play before the New Year, Australia have ample opportunity to continue building momentum ahead of a home World Cup that looms large over every result.