Late Penalty Try Earns Wallabies Draw and Historic Argentina Series Win

Australia secured its first rugby union series victory in Argentina after drawing 28-28 with Los Pumas in the second Test in Mendoza. The Guardian reported that the eight-try match ended level after the Wallabies were awarded a late penalty try. The draw was enough for Australia to take the series and complete its tour of Argentina without a defeat.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zM-CmxmZ3U

The Wallabies established a 14-0 lead through first-half tries by Harry Wilson and Max Jorgensen. Argentina then responded before the interval, with captain Pablo Matera scoring from close range in the 36th minute and Justo Piccardo Mendy crossing three minutes later. Both conversions were successful, leaving the teams tied at 14-14 at halftime.

Australia moved back in front two minutes after the restart when Fraser McReight drove through several defenders to score, with the conversion making it 21-14. Argentina answered through Ignacio Ruiz in the 55th minute after sustained pressure from the home forwards. Matera then completed his second try in the 65th minute at the end of a 23-phase attack, putting Los Pumas ahead for the first time at 28-21.

The match turned again during a difficult disciplinary spell for Argentina. Lucio Cinti was shown a yellow card in the 69th minute for a deliberate knock-on as Australia attacked. Soon afterward, Santiago Carreras was also sent to the sin bin after stopping the final pass of another Wallabies move with an outstretched hand. The referee awarded a penalty try, automatically adding seven points and bringing Australia level at 28-28.

Australia had a two-player advantage during the closing stages but could not convert it into a winning score. Ryan Lonergan lost control of the ball while sliding toward the Argentina line in the 76th minute, and another Australian attack ended with a handling error near the Pumas' 22 two minutes later. Argentina regained its full complement shortly before the final whistle and retained possession until the ball was kicked out.

The Guardian's live report described a match in which both sides had opportunities to win. McReight said afterward that the contest had been difficult and that Australia was pleased to preserve its unbeaten recent run, while also acknowledging there was still significant work to do. The result nevertheless gave the Wallabies a landmark first series triumph on Argentine soil.