Argentina edged Australia in a Rugby Championship thriller at Allianz Stadium, holding firm under immense pressure to secure a famous 28–26 victory. The match had everything: big swings in momentum, high drama, and moments of sheer grit that underlined Los Pumas’ growing stature in world rugby.
Here are five key takeaways from the clash:
1. Los Pumas Hold Their Nerve
Argentina led 16–7 at halftime and absorbed a furious Australian comeback in the second half. While the Wallaby bench brought serious energy — Angus Bell carrying hard, Carlo Tizzano tackling relentlessly, and Filipo Daugunu buzzing with intent — Los Pumas refused to crack.
Julian Montoya’s early try and Santiago Carreras’ unerring boot gave the visitors the foundation. Carreras’ third penalty in the 26th minute pushed them clear, and his strike in the 69th ultimately sealed the result. Discipline proved decisive: Argentina conceded just seven penalties compared to Australia’s 14, many at crucial moments.
2. Argentina’s Defence Full of Heart
When Australia broke the line, Argentina’s scramble defence answered the call. Marcos Kremer, Juan Martín González, and Mateo Carreras all made critical stops when structure had broken down. The Pumas tackled not just with technique but with sheer determination, turning potential Wallaby points into turnovers and exits.
3. Carreras Calls the Shots
Santiago Carreras was the difference-maker. His tactical kicking controlled territory, his passing varied the tempo, and he showed composure in the game’s most heated phases. Playing flat when Argentina needed front-foot momentum and deeper when the Wallabies threatened turnovers, Carreras dictated the rhythm of the contest with maturity.
4. Contepomi’s Attacking Blueprint
Felipe Contepomi’s influence on Argentina’s attack was clear. The Pumas played with width and ambition, stretching the Wallaby edge defence while earning the right through hard forward carries. In midfield, Santiago Chocobares and Lucio Cinti offered contrasting threats, while wingers Mateo Carreras and Rodrigo Isgró were ruthless in broken play.
One sequence in the first half summed it up: off a midfield scrum, Carreras broke the line, offloaded to Chocobares, who looped and released Isgró out wide. The winger chipped ahead and forced a five-metre scrum — layered, instinctive, and clinical. Argentina’s breakdown dominance ensured quick ball, giving Gonzalo García and Carreras the platform to shine.
5. Grit Behind the Numbers
On paper, Argentina controlled the match: 59% possession, 56% territory, and nearly 100 more running metres than the Wallabies. But the victory was about more than stats. It was about composure in the fire, heart in the tackle, and precision in the key moments. This was an Argentina side matching ambition with execution — and proving they are firmly among rugby’s elite.
What It Means
The result lifted Argentina to nine points in the Rugby Championship standings, while Australia remain top with one game to play. For Los Pumas, it was more than just a win — it was a statement of intent.
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