Both the Wallabies and Argentina are in search of their first win in the 2017 Rugby Championship, as the Pumas make the trip to Canberra for the first time in 17 years. Catch all the action on The Roar from 8pm (AEST).
Despite a hugely improved run against the All Blacks in Dunedin, one of the best Bledisloe Cup games of all times still saw the Wallabies on the losing side of a 35-29 scoreline.
If that wasn’t enough, the green and gold gave up a ten-point second-half lead against the Springboks in Perth last week, holding onto an incredible 23-all draw.
A tough year in Australian rugby continues, but coach Michael Cheika will have high hopes of picking up an elusive win at home here.
Leading into Round 4, the Wallabies find themselves on just three points and well off the pace of contention for their second Championship title.
The Argentines too find themselves at the wrong end of the stick, with zero points from their three defeats so far.
However, like the Aussies before them, the Pumas put in one of their best games in recent memory against an intimidating New Zealand side last week.
Leading 22-15 early in the second half, the Kiwis kicked into gear late and completely ran away with the game.
Regardless of another notch in the loss column, it was a huge performance from the Pumas, who will take renewed confidence into their first game against the Wallabies this year.
Argentina have beaten Australia just five times in history, and just once in Australia, dating back 34 years when the Pumas took a 15-point win in Brisbane.
The numbers don’t get any better for Argentina, who have won just three games since expanding the Tri-Nations in 2012.
Team news
Rory Arnold has been dropped from the squad, making room for Rob Simmons to jump into the second row alongside Adam Coleman.
Izack Rodda has been named on the bench to replace Simmons, joining former NRL flier Marika Koroibete on the bench, as the Rebels winger looks to make his international debut.
For the Pumas, coach Daniel Hourcade has made four changes, including three alterations in the backline.
Former Brumbies scrumhalf Tomas Cubelli has been pushed to the bench in favour of Martin Landajo. Santiago Cordero will line up at outside centre, with Joaquin Tuculet promoted onto the wing, in place of Matias Orlando and Ramiro Moyano respectively.
In the scrum, Tomas Lezana will pack in at the back as a No.8 replacement for Benjamin Macone.
Prediction
The Wallabies faltered against the Boks and have two options with which to bounce back – either a fired-up side sick of falling short, or their confidence could be shot.
I’m inclined to lean towards the later, especially against a highly entertaining Pumas side, who have been looking to pile on points.
The Wallabies should really pick up the win at home, but don’t expect it to be a convincing one.
Wallabies to win by 11
Nigel
Guest
False flag!! Quality of the opposition is what rugby is all about, so the missed tackle count has fallen and u are calling it an improvement??? It doesn't mean that at all except they were playing inferior opposition, play the ABs this week and that missed tackle count will be through the roof again!!
PeterK
Roar Guru
hooper did a lot more than mcmahaon when it mattered, mcmahon performed after wallabies had a big margin
PeterK
Roar Guru
and one should have been given the kerevi one where he called held up without checking tmo
Terry Tavita
Guest
based on tonight's performance, there's lots of positives to build on..this team certainly hasn't peaked yet..
Nsw nsfw
Guest
That’s what he’s paid to do mate. What he’s saying seems to be pretty basic rugby knowledge.
RobC
Roar Guru
Gday Woody. Will do, as soon as i get get some solid time! I was a bit surprised today, the Ref allowed the teams to pack so low.
ethan
Guest
Every time we seem to be on the up we manage to fall straight back down again. I guess this is why you won't see Oz supporters getting too carried away, even though it was an excellent result.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
He played well but it was against the number ten team in the World. Standing back and letting the winger chip like that would lose the game against a top team.
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Fox Sports say the WB missed 26 tackles. The count is going down from Bled I and II, but still not too flash. A week's break and then two matches on the road for the WB. South Africa will be hurting after tonight's flogging and will want to show their fans that they are still No2 or No3 best team on planet Earth. The WB will want to show they are on the up, and a really good result at Bloemfontein may even see them come 2nd in this year's Rugby Champs. The Pumas will take on the AB on 1st Oct then the next week (8th Oct) at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas they get a chance to atone for tonight's loss and put a dent in the WB aspirations. From what we have seen so far, I would guess we will see a victory for SA against the WB which should get them 2nd place for the RC2017, and a win for the WB against the Pumas. The WB are guaranteed at least 3rd place in the RC, win or lose against the Pumas (unless a real shock with the Pumas to beat NZ on 1st Oct).
Terry Tavita
Guest
I think wallaby and australian rugby is turning the corner..building up to be a solid scrum with a versatile tight five..mcmahon runs like an inside back..also, some really exciting backs in beale and folau and a bit more depth on the bench now..
Rhys Bosley
Guest
Simmons has to start until Coleman says someone else can run a lineout, it went well until he was hooked and then they stuffed it up.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
McMahon wan best by a fair margin.
ethan
Guest
Still searching for an 80 minute performance, but entertaining second half, and nice to get the win. Well played.
timber
Guest
Anglo-Saxon is an ethnic term for the native people of England, so by definition, the Northern English are Anglo-Saxon.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Mike
Guest
Having earlier watched that juggernaut of a game by the AB,s my expectations were high of a repeat by the WB’s, and whilst the final score line appears flattering, it was nothing short of an absolute butt ugly game of Rugby with yet more questions raised than answered. Without further ado may I suggest Foley make an appointment to see Specsavers!!
Connor Bennett
Editor
Match report coming soon
OZ Rugby Fan
Guest
I thought Genia, Foley and Beale were all good. As was Hooper and McMahon. However I think the forwards allowed it to happen, they were good.
Wallace footrot
Guest
He made a huge difference! Strength, technique and mongrel
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Bernard Foley Man of the Match. Suck eggs all the Bernie baiters. :) But seriously he should give the line kicks away. There are better kickers with seriuos length.