Wallabies Stage Thrilling Comeback to Edge Argentina in Rugby Championship Clash
In a tense and rain-soaked affair, the Australia Wallabies rallied to secure a narrow 20-19 victory over Argentina’s Los Pumas in their Rugby Championship clash on Sunday (AEST) in La Plata.
Despite trailing 10-0 and 16-7 at various stages, the resilient Wallabies fought back through the heroics of centre Len Ikitau, halfback Jake Gordon, and a last-gasp penalty from substitute Ben Donaldson to snap their eight-game losing streak in the tournament.
“We made a few things hard for ourselves, giving them a big start at home, big crowd, difficult conditions,” admitted coach Joe Schmidt. “But we fought… scored tries and created some other chances that would have been great.”
Australia’s new-look side faced a hostile home crowd and difficult wet conditions, but their determination shone through as they clawed their way back into the contest. Influential performances from props Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou, as well as flankers Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini and captain Harry Wilson, proved pivotal.
While the Pumas raced out to an early lead thanks to a penalty and a try from Juan Martin Gonzalez, the Wallabies’ persistence paid off. Ikitau’s break and offload set up Gordon’s try, and Valetini’s powerful carry brought the visitors back into the game.
The see-saw battle continued in the second half, with both sides trading the lead, before Donaldson’s nerveless penalty on the final whistle sealed a dramatic comeback victory for the Australians.
“Hopefully it’ll give us a little bit of a springboard, but in very different conditions we’ll be playing a different Pumas side,” said Schmidt, as the teams prepare to meet again in Santa Fe next week.
The Wallabies’ ability to grind out a result in the face of adversity will provide a timely boost as they look to build momentum in the Rugby Championship.
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