Wallabies survive late Pumas fightback to extend winning run under Les Kiss

Australia held off a determined Argentina fightback to win 27-21 in San Salvador de Jujuy on Saturday, extending their unbeaten run under coach Les Kiss to three Tests in the first of two matches against the Pumas.

Having opened his tenure with back-to-back victories over Japan, Kiss faced a sterner examination against the world No.7-ranked Pumas, and his side delivered — if not always comfortably. The Wallabies led 22-14 at the break, with tries from hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa, fly-half Carter Gordon and flanker Fraser McReight giving them a cushion that Argentina spent the second half chipping away at.

With captain Harry Wilson rested, No.8 Rob Valetini stepped up as one of the game’s most influential figures, repeatedly putting Australia on the front foot with powerful carries. Lock Josh Canham was another to catch the eye in a reshuffled forward pack.

Argentina kept themselves in contention through fullback Geronimo Prisciantelli and Joaquin Moro, before prop Boris Wegner burrowed over in the 52nd minute to cut the deficit to a single point. Australia responded almost immediately, flanker Tom Hooper finishing off an impressive team move three minutes later to restore a more comfortable margin.

The closing stages were far from straightforward. A Ryan Lonergan penalty had stretched the lead after halftime, but the halfback was forced off with an injury sustained in a try-saving tackle, bringing Tate McDermott into the game. In the final ten minutes, a Jeremy Williams try was ruled out on review and McDermott was held up over the line, leaving the Wallabies clinging on.

Argentina pressed desperately for the try that would have set up a grandstand finish, but Australia’s scrambling defence held firm to secure a valuable away victory ahead of the second Test.