The Wallabies have recorded their second draw of the year after fighting out a tryless 15-all stalemate against Argentina in Newcastle.
While the scoreboard says the match ended all square, it will feel like a loss for Australia, who enjoyed far more possession and territory without being able to translate that dominance into scoreboard ascendancy.
The first half, in particular, saw the hosts spurn a number of scoring opportunities through poor handling and misses in the lineout, and a preference for kicking for touch instead of at goal with penalties also prevented them from keeping the scoreboard ticking over.
While Reece Hodge opened the scoring from the tee, a horror exit from the ensuing kick-off allowed Argentina to draw level straight after through the boot of Nicolas Sanchez. A second Sanchez penalty put Los Pumas up by three, and it was only two late shots for goal which gave Australia a three-point lead at the break.
The only two clear try-scoring opportunities of the match came in the opening stanza, both for Australia. First Jordan Petaia latched onto a grubber from Hunter Paisami and grounded it just inside the dead-ball line, but his acrobatic effort was ruled out as he’d put a toe into touch.
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Later, Marika Koroibete crossed in the corner of a backline set-play from a lineout, but the last pass from Tom Banks was thrown forward.
Even with those missed opportunities, Hodge had put the Wallabies up 15-6 fifteen minutes after halftime with two more penalties and it looked as if the home side would close out a victory.
But poor Australian discipline gave Sanchez three more opportunities to go for goal and the Argentinian flyhalf kicked truly, including with two efforts from halfway, to even the match up.
Hodge had a chance to put his side back in front, but his shot from the tee some 40 metres out towards the left-hand sideline was sliced and faded across the face.
The Wallabies looked to have opened up one final chance just before the 80 minutes elapsed, but after creating an overlap on the right on the 22-metre line, Petaia opted to dribble in a kick instead of taking contact or going through the hands, and the ball was forced in goal.
Argentina almost stole the victory with the very last play of the game when Pablo Matera kicked into a vacant Wallabies backfield following a midfield turnover, but Jake Gordon was able to recover the ball and fall into to touch to end the match.
The result is a massive blow to Australia’s chances of winning the Tri Nations. After playing three games, they’re level on six points with both the All Blacks and Pumas, but have a far worse points differential than New Zealand while Argentina have an extra game in hand.
A bonus-point win for the All Blacks in their final match of the year against the South Americans next week would just about wrap up the tournament.
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
This is the challenge for Australia. To attract new fans, boost ratings and attract more broadcast revenue, a repeat of that game is undesirable (I say in an understated way). Wallabies skills are not where they should be not is there the mental focus. The Pumas win over the ABs should have been a wake-up call but it almost wasn't. BTW: as an AB fan, let me congratulate the Pumas (admittedly belatedly) on their win. They wanted it more, they played better and justice was done.
Flyman
Roar Rookie
If you cant stand the heat then get out of the kitchen.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I don't agree. I watched it again and he stayed wide and was in line with Banks. He needed to be much closer and behind. If he'd been there, Banks had the option to tap it on a metre or two rather than contemplating a 7/8 metre pass under intense defensive pressure. So, not sorry, right.
Gloria
Roar Rookie
Yeah, ok, let’s get a couple of 120kg plus guys to tackle you around the neck and wack you across the nose. I think we know who will be crying. :laughing:
Flyman
Roar Rookie
Oh cry me a river - WB's had more of the rub of the green the entire game. Missed knock on, TT starting a fight.... the list goes on.
CO)))DA
Roar Rookie
Team cohesion is of utmost importance, and has been lacking for many seasons within the Wallabies setup. Michael Hooper being first named on the team sheet epitomises this situation - he is arguably the best individual player, but he invariably causes compromise and imbalance, particularly in the backrow. - The problem is exacerbated due to the fact that there is extremely rare opportunities for anyone else to prove their worth in the openside role, as Hooper almost always plays and is almost never subbed. So not only does the team imbalance remain, but there is alternative to compare it to at test level. - I really hope, as some have theorised on here, that Dave Rennie starts to experiment next international season by naming another captain, and at the very least giving Hooper a rest and someone else a run in the 7 jersey.
Bruce Dribs
Roar Rookie
Hooper has a poor form line as captain. Not just win/loss but his decision making, esp not taking points on offer, has cost Wallabies games before. Apart from the high error rate and continuing skills failures, the strategic failure at the beginning and end of game were painful to watch. Any one of those first half penalties would have changed the dimension of the game. Then, at the end, the ball to boot strategy demonstrated a team (and coach) that was more scared of losing that inspired by the opportunity to win.
Sinclair Whitbourne
Roar Rookie
You are very kind. I like the idea of McReight as the bench option and Wright as the starting 7. In time that role would switch, I suspect. If that were to be the case it would be very hard on Hooper, who was outstanding at the Brumbies, but I do think he presents terrible problems as well as great advantages. The coach and senior players will know better how he is at implementing the coach's plans and his impact, of course. I learnt the hard way about a star individual ultimately not being worth it in rugby, despite the alternative being a fraction as good in his position. Lacked the guts to really call it until an injury did the job, but by then too late for the season. The team worked better with the replacement, even though we missed aspects of play that only the star had. Such is life.
Poco Loco
Roar Rookie
Thanks PK, that’s great to hear. Then I would pump for him as captain. Reguarding composure, I think he would adapt if given the responsibility. Cheers.
Poco Loco
Roar Rookie
///, Hodge is the best we have got with the range and getting better. Given time and specialised coaching I belive he could be up there with the best. He has done pretty well considering he is not the goal kicker on any OzSR team. On the night him and Sanchez were even. Cheers
Poco Loco
Roar Rookie
Sorry, wrong. MK was back. He had to lunge forward and only just pivked up the pass so not MKs fault but TWs. Cheers
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Read my post on Geoffs summary today.
Poco Loco
Roar Rookie
Come on Carlos, I thought you were better than that!
Racing Chicken Trainer
Roar Rookie
Ahhhhh Well there you go haha
Frank
Guest
Gordon just there to make up "minimum Waratah quota" (ala Simmons & Hanigan). I genuinely feel sorry for McDermott & Powell both superior halfbacks.
Frank
Guest
I'd like to see a stat for the number of Wallaby tries scored after opting for line out instead of kicking for points. It would be less than 5%. Its infuriating and shows the lack of rugby intellect now on a wallabies paddock. Same for Banks kicking away the ball in the last 2 minutes of the game instead of retaining possession and working away up the field. So frustrating to watch.
soapit
Roar Guru
they criticise him more if he does things badly tho. i think theres plenty around with experience in dealing with refs or even other people in authority.
pm
Roar Rookie
Whatever he does or doesn't do heaps of people will criticise him. Obviously they are the ones with all the know-how and experience.
soapit
Roar Guru
how many points do they award for you being in the right again?
soapit
Roar Guru
his record as a winner for australia isnt overly special from memory