Australia clinched the series against Argentina after the second Test ended in a thrilling 28-28 stalemate on Saturday night. The Wallabies, who had already taken a 27-21 victory in the opening match, fought back from a series of setbacks to ensure the series trophy stayed in Sydney.
In the opening half, the hosts established an early lead thanks to two well‑executed tries. Harry Wilson broke through the Argentine defensive line, evading two tacklers before grounding the ball, and Max Jorgensen added a second try after a slick back‑line move.
Both conversions were successfully added by fly‑half Ryan Lonergan, giving Australia a comfortable 14-0 advantage. Argentina responded quickly. After a brief period of Australian dominance, the Pumas' lock Jeremy Williams was sin‑binned, leaving the home side a man short.
Seizing the opportunity, Pablo Matera powered over from close range, while Ignacio Mendy completed a sweeping move that saw him dive over after a brilliant pass from Joaquin Moro. Ignacio Ruiz then slotted the conversion, tying the scores at 14-14. The second half began with Australia extending their lead once more. Fraser McReight surged forward, breaking through three Argentine defenders to score a powerful try, with Lonergan adding the extras.
However, the Pumas were undeterred; eight minutes later, Ruiz crossed the line from a short pass, restoring parity at 21-21. With the clock winding down, Matera struck again, scoring his second try after an impressive 23‑phase sequence that saw the Wallabies dominate possession but fail to finish. His try, taken between the posts, pushed Argentina ahead 28-21 with just 16 minutes remaining. The drama intensified when Lucio Cinti received a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on that prevented a certain Australian score.
Shortly after, a penalty try was awarded to the Wallabies after a clear obstruction by Santiago Carreras, who deliberately blocked a pass intended for Filipo Daugunu. The referee’s decision brought the score level at 28-28, and Carreras was also sin‑binned, reducing Argentina to 13 men for the final ten minutes.
Despite pressing hard in the closing stages, Australia could not find a breakthrough, and the match ended in a draw. The result meant the Wallabies retained the series, preserving an unbeaten record over the two‑Test tour. Captain Harry Wilson praised his side’s resilience but expressed disappointment at not securing a win on the night, especially with a crucial Test against world champions South Africa looming on September 27.
"In those last ten minutes they played the conditions very well, knowing they were a man down. The deck was slippery and they fought to keep the ball alive," Wilson said.
"We’ve had a string of victories, so a draw isn’t ideal, but taking another trophy home should give us momentum and confidence heading into the Springboks clash." Head coach Les Kiss echoed Wilson’s optimism, highlighting the significance of winning the series trophy and the overall progress of a rejuvenated Australian side that has not lost a single Test in 2026. "Securing that trophy was one of our primary goals, and we achieved it," Kiss noted.
"We controlled large portions of the game and put ourselves in a strong position, but it’s always tough when you fall short at the end. The lads are a little disappointed, but there are mixed feelings – we achieved what we set out to do, and now we can focus on refining our game and making it more robust for the challenges ahead." The match also featured several disciplinary incidents that shaped the outcome. Cinti’s yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on and Carreras’s subsequent sin‑bin for the obstruction were pivotal, as they left Argentina with fewer players during the crucial final phase. These moments underscored the fine margins that often decide high‑stakes rugby encounters.
Looking ahead, Australia will turn its attention to the upcoming home Test against South Africa, a formidable opponent and the reigning world champions. The Wallabies will aim to build on the confidence gained from the series win while addressing the areas identified by Kiss – particularly defensive solidity and finishing efficiency. Fans can also catch the fourth and final Test of the New Zealand versus South Africa series, scheduled to be broadcast live from Baltimore, USA, on Sky Sports Action at 10 pm next Saturday.
This fixture promises further high‑quality rugby action as the southern hemisphere powerhouses continue their summer campaigns.