Australia clinched the two‑match series against Argentina after the second Test ended in a 28‑28 stalemate on Saturday night, ensuring they remain unbeaten across the tour. The Wallabies had already taken a 27‑21 win in the opening encounter, and despite the draw they still walk away with the series trophy and a perfect record for the 2026 summer campaign. The match began with the Wallabies on the front foot.
In the first half, Harry Wilson broke through the Argentine defence to touch down, and his teammate Max Jorgensen added another try shortly thereafter. Both scores were converted, giving Australia a comfortable lead. The momentum shifted when Fraser McReight powered his way over the line in the second half, extending the advantage. With just ten minutes left on the clock, a penalty try was awarded to Australia after a deliberate knock‑on by Argentina, sealing the 28‑28 result.
Argentina’s Pablo Matera was the standout for the Pumas, crossing the line twice. He scored his first try after a slick passing sequence that saw him finish a close‑range move, and later added a second after a marathon 23‑phase drive that culminated in him grounding the ball between the posts.
Ignacio Mendy also found the try line, benefitting from a superb break by Joaquin Moro, while Ignacio Ruiz added a try of his own after a quick strike through the middle. Despite these efforts, Argentine discipline faltered in the closing stages. Lucio Cinti received a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, and Santiago Carreras was sin‑binned after he deliberately blocked a pass intended for Filipo Daugunu, reducing the Pumas to 13 men during the critical final ten minutes.
The game featured several pivotal moments that could have swung the outcome. Early on, a potential Australian try was disallowed when McReight stepped out of touch at the 16‑minute mark. However, just four minutes later, Wilson evaded two tacklers and powered over, with Ryan Lonergan successfully adding the conversion. Shortly after, Franco Molina of Argentina was shown a yellow card, giving Australia a numerical advantage that they capitalised on when Jorgensen sprinted to the try line.
Argentina responded quickly, scoring two tries in three minutes after Australian lock Jeremy Williams was sin‑binned, narrowing the gap to 14‑14. After the break, McReight restored Australia’s lead by breaking through three Argentine defenders, only for Ruiz to answer back eight minutes later, leveling the scores once more. The home side then surged ahead when Matera completed his second try, a culmination of sustained pressure and patient ball retention. Five minutes later, Cinti’s yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on set the stage for the penalty try that ultimately forced the draw.
In the dying minutes, the Wallabies pushed hard for a winning score but were unable to breach the Argentine defence. Captain Harry Wilson praised his side’s resilience, acknowledging the difficulty of playing with fewer men and the slippery conditions on the deck. "In those last ten minutes they played the conditions really well, knowing they were a few men down. It’s a bit slippery on the deck and they just tried to hold on to the ball for as long as they could," Wilson said.
He also expressed disappointment at not extending the winning run, noting that a draw was not the ideal outcome but still hopeful for the upcoming Test against South Africa. Head coach Les Kiss echoed Wilson’s sentiment, highlighting the importance of securing the series trophy and the overall progress of the squad. "Securing that trophy is definitely one of the things that we came here to do, without a doubt," Kiss remarked. He praised the team’s control of key phases of the game and acknowledged that, while the result was not a win, the Wallabies had achieved their primary objective.
Kiss also pointed out areas for improvement, emphasizing the need to make the team more robust and refine specific aspects of their play ahead of the daunting clash with the Springboks on September 27. The series win adds to Australia’s unbeaten run this year, having won all four of their Tests in 2026 so far. The Wallabies now turn their focus to the upcoming home Test against world champions South Africa, a match that promises to be a stern test of the side’s development and depth. Fans can also look forward to the final Test of the season, where New Zealand will face South Africa in Baltimore, USA, broadcast live on Sky Sports Action at 10 pm next Saturday.
Overall, the second Test in Argentina showcased high‑intensity rugby, disciplined defensive work, and moments of brilliance from both teams. While the draw may have left some Australian supporters yearning for a clear victory, the series triumph and the lessons learned from the match will serve as a foundation for the Wallabies as they prepare for the next challenge on home soil.