Wallabies survive Los Pumas fightback to seal thrilling win in Argentina

The win handed Argentina only their second defeat at Estadio 23 de Agosto, with Australia making the most of a blistering opening spell to build a commanding early advantage.

The Wallabies needed just five minutes to open the scoring. Hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa finished a superb attacking move to draw first blood. Lock Josh Canham was the catalyst, breaking through the Argentine defence from deep before finding lock Jeremy Williams. Williams then supplied the final pass to Paenga-Amosa, who bashed over from close range.

Australia doubled their lead in the 11th minute after gaining early dominance at scrum time. The Wallabies attacked down the blind side and created enough space for scrumhalf Carter Gordon to cross for their second try.

Argentina responded quickly through Geronimo Priscinatelli, who found a gap in the Australian defence to reduce the deficit to five points.

The Wallabies hit back again through their forwards, with Fraser McReight finishing a sustained period of pressure for their third try.

Australia were then forced into a prolonged defensive effort after Harry Potter was sent to the sin bin. The Pumas repeatedly attacked close to the ruck and eventually found a way through.

A quick tap-and-go from a scrum gave flanker Joaquín Moro the opportunity to attack from close range, with the forward powering over for Argentina's second try and cutting the margin to five.

The Wallabies added three points before halftime through Jake Lonergan after an Argentine offside penalty, taking a 22-14 lead into the break.

Argentina continued their fightback in the second stanza and finally closed the gap in the 52nd minute when Boris Wegner crossed for their third try.

That reduced Australia's advantage to just one point, but the Wallabies responded. Centre Hunter Paisami broke through the Argentine defence before Tom Hooper followed the play and crossed for a crucial try, restoring Australia's six-point lead.

The visitors appeared to score again in the 71st minute when Jeremy Williams reached the line following a powerful scrum, but the TMO spotted a knock-on before the ball was grounded. Tate McDermott was also held up over the line moments later.

Argentina threw everything at the Wallabies in the closing stages, but Australia's defence held firm.

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