Wallabies open Argentina tour with narrow Pumas win

Australia began its two-match tour of Argentina with a third consecutive victory, maintaining the momentum gained from its two August wins over Japan. The Pumas, meanwhile, could not turn an encouraging performance against South Africa into a home success in Jujuy and will have another chance next weekend in Mendoza.

The Wallabies built an early advantage through tries from Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Carter Gordon before Fraser McReight added a third. Argentina answered with scores by Geronimo Prisciantelli and Joaquin Moro, but Ryan Lonergan’s kicking helped Australia take a 19-11 lead into half-time. The final margin was 27-21.

Argentina moved within one point after Boris Wenger crossed early in the second half, following the cancellation of a Prisciantelli try for a knock-on confirmed by video review. Australia responded when Tom Hooper scored, although Ben Donaldson missed the conversion. The Wallabies also had a late try by Jeremy Williams ruled out after video showed the ball had not reached the line.

Australia held firm during the closing stages despite sustained pressure from the Pumas. The result gives Les Kiss’s side the lead in the series before the return meeting, while Felipe Contepomi’s Argentina must recover quickly to level the tour in Mendoza.