Australia snapped an eight-match losing streak in the Rugby Championship with a narrow 20-19 win over Argentina on Saturday.
Australia came from 10-0 down to win the championship for the first time since beating South Africa 25-17 in 2022, with Ben Donaldson converting the winning penalty in added time.
Try attempts from Wallabies’ scrappy half Jake Gordon and flanker Rob Ballettini cancelled out a brace from Argentina’s No.8 Juan Martin Gonzalez.
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Australia coach Joe Schmidt has been credited with introducing new players to his squad following a two-game losing streak at home to the Springboks last month.
Western Force centre Hamish Stewart has made his debut in Australia’s midfield, becoming the Wallabies’ 15th new signing of the season.
Despite Australia dominating and dominating possession in the first half at Estadio Uno, a soccer stadium in La Plata near Buenos Aires, the Wallabies ended the half down 13-7.
Fly-half Santiago Carreras converted an early penalty and Gonzalez then fired home a touchdown before Pumas blasted over the line to put Argentina 10-0 up.
The Wallabies quickly fought back to stay in the competition.
Full-back Tom Wright opened a hole in the defence and Gordon latched onto a pass inside and crossed it inside the box to fire home.
Carreras converted a penalty after the break to extend the home team’s lead, but the Wallabies’ lead was reduced to 16-14 when Valettini broke through to score a try after Australia had created a gap in their defence.
The Wallabies took the lead for the first time with 20 minutes remaining when fly-half Noah Roletio converted a penalty.
Pumas’ Thomas Gallo ran into the ball at a close-range ruck but fell over the goal line and lost the ball, costing Australia a huge goal.
Substitute Thomas Albornoz slotted a penalty kick into the net in pouring rain to extend Pumas’ lead to 19-17 with 10 minutes remaining.
Veteran hooker Agustin Crevi, 39, received a standing ovation when he came on as a substitute in the final stages to make his 110th and final appearance for Los Pumas, making him Argentina’s most capped player.
Donald kept his composure as he converted the winning kick in the 81st minute.
