Australia Holds Argentina to Seal Historic Series Win

Australia secured its first rugby union series victory on Argentine soil after drawing 28-28 with Argentina in Mendoza. The result completed an unbeaten two-Test trip for the Wallabies, who had won the opening match 27-21 in Jujuy, and extended new coach Les Kiss's unbeaten start to four Tests. The Guardian reported that the draw was enough for Australia to retain the Puma Trophy.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF5h2HUex60

The Wallabies built a 14-0 advantage through tries by captain Harry Wilson and winger Max Jorgensen. Jorgensen's score followed a yellow card for Argentina lock Franco Molina, but Australia's own numerical advantage did not last long. Jeremy Williams was sent to the sin bin for slowing the ball, giving the hosts a route back into the contest.

Argentina captain Pablo Matera crossed from close range before Ignacio Mendy finished a lineout move to level the score at 14-14 before halftime. Australia then regained the lead shortly after the interval when Fraser McReight forced his way over, with Ryan Lonergan converting for a seven-point margin.

The hosts responded through replacement hooker Ignacio Ruiz, whose close-range try and the conversion brought the teams level again. Matera then completed his second try after a sustained 23-phase attack, putting Argentina ahead for the first time at 28-21.

Australia drew level with a penalty try in the 70th minute after an Argentine defender deliberately knocked down a pass intended for Filipo Daugunu near the try line. Argentina was reduced to 13 players after another yellow card, but the Wallabies could not turn their late numerical advantage into a winning score. A leg injury to replacement playmaker Carter Gordon also disrupted Australia's closing effort.

The draw denied Australia a fifth consecutive Test victory, but it delivered the larger prize of a breakthrough series success in Argentina. The Wallabies now return home with the Puma Trophy and an unbeaten record under Kiss. According to The Guardian, their next assignment is a one-off Test against South Africa in Perth before the Bledisloe Cup series.