Argentina will be looking to bounce back from their narrow defeat to the Wallabies in the first Test between the sides when the duo square off in the second and final fixture of Australia's Rugby Championship tour to South America.
While both sides know they are unlikely to catch the log-leading Springboks, they will be eager to finish the competition as runners-up.
Argentina v Australia | Saturday 7 September | Estadio Brigadier Gral E. López
To Win (80 Mins)
Argentina 57/100 | Draw 20/1 | Australia 15/10
Handicap
Argentina 57/100 | Australia 15/10
It wasn’t pretty but the Wallabies showed some real grit in La Plata to claim a 19-20 victory against Los Pumas. In a game played in some real difficult conditions, the Wallabies found themselves 10-0 down inside the opening minute as they conceded yet another try from a rolling maul.
Los Pumas dominance would be short lived, however, with a smart inside ball seeing scrumhalf Jake Gordan cross over right under the poles. Argentina would then kick a couple of penalties either side of half time to build another buffer as they lead 16-7 with half an hour to go. Inspired by centre Len Ikitau, who had one of his best games in a gold jumper, the Wallabies would again haul themselves back into the contest with Rob Valentine crossing over from short range to make it a two point game with half an hour to go. The two sides would then trade penalties for the remainder of the match with Ben Donaldson knocking over the final kick of the game in injury time to hand Australia a one-point win.
While the Wallabies will be happy with the victory, which saw them break their duck in the Rugby Championship, coach Joe Schmidt knows there is still a lot of work to do. His side have got to get better at defending lineout drives on their own 22 and they also need to be more clinical when they are in the opposition 22.
Like their opponents, there’s work to do for Los Pumas who were ill-disciplined throughout the fixture and coughed up some crucial penalties. They will also need to be smarter with their game management as their choice to go for a shot at goal late in the game as opposed to taking it to the corner and testing a poor Australian lineout defence, ultimately cost them a win.
Both sides have some injury concerns heading into Saturday’s clash with prop Isaac Kailea heading back to Australia with his place in the squad likely to be taken by James Slipper, while Argentine forward Pedro Rubiolo also sustained a head knock and will miss out on this one. Augustin Creevy will also be absent for Los Pumas as he drew down the curtain on his distinguished and long career in La Plata this past weekend.
Verdict: Argentina (57/100)
Los Pumas have a habit of playing poorly and then bouncing back and I’m expecting them to bounce back in some style this Saturday.
