Marika Koroibete – Michmutters
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Wallabies player ratings from record loss to Argentina, highlights, analysis, team news

The Wallabies conceded seven tries and four of them came from kicks.

If you’re looking for a reason why the Wallabies lost, that paints a pretty clear picture.

The Wallabies’ raw fullback Tom Wright was exposed. The Brumbies back has been excellent in his previous three Tests of the year, but his lack of time spent in the role was brutally exposed by Argentina, who tested his positional understanding and his aerial skills too.

He wasn’t the only one either. Marika Koroibete was found out in the air, while Reece Hodge was penalized after he made contact in the air after not being in a realistic position to compete for the ball.

The Wallabies’ scrum was edged, too, with the Argentine pack up for the challenge following their heavy defeat a week earlier.

As for James O’Connor, the recalled playmaker faces a fight to keep his place after a frustrating performance.

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Wallabies try BRUTALLY disallowed! | 01:22

Had his try midway through the first half not been disallowed it likely would have been a different story for the 32-year-old. It didn’t, and anyone wearing the No.10 jersey generally shoulders the blame regardless of whether they deserve it.

Here are our player ratings from the record loss to Argentina.

Tom Wright- 3.5

Given the fullback’s struggles under the high ball, Dave Rennie will likely recall Andrew Kellaway should the Rebels back be fit to take on the Springboks later this month.

Wright doesn’t deserve to be dropped. One poor game doesn’t define a player, but the Brumby is a developing 15 and could benefit from more time on the wing. He’ll be a strong contender for the No.23 jersey should Kellaway be fit.

The tough day started in the very first minute, as he fumbled a tough ball from Jordan Petaia and Argentina scored.

Moments later and Argentina won a 50-22 as the home side exposed Wright’s positional understanding.

“Pretty inexcusable from the Wallabies from set phase not to be able to defend a 50-22 in that situation,” former All Blacks playmaker Andrew Mehrtens said for Stan.

On three occasions Wright lost possession in the air. He was out leapt in the eighth minute by Emiliano Boffelli.

He didn’t get a hand on a kick in the 27th minute. He was also beaten in the air again in the 36th minute but fortunately was saved by some Marika Koroibete brilliance in defense as he forced Boffelli to spill the ball over the tryline.

Later, in the 52nd minute, Wright chose to run the ball but should have played the percentages as he was tackled and gave away a penalty for not releasing.

Tom Wright had a difficult match at fullback against Argentina.  Photo: Getty Images
Tom Wright had a difficult match at fullback against Argentina. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Jordan Petaia – 6

It was a case of being so close yet so far for Petaia.

Petaia sent O’Connor in to score but the try was denied for an illegal cleanout from James Slipper.

Later he lost the ball over the tryline as the ball was ripped away.

But there was also one of those passes into touch in the 51st minute, while he also intercepted a pass in the 56th minute before quickly throwing one of his own as he sought to keep the ball in the field of play.

More promisingly Petaia got his hands on the ball. Yet the fact Australia has not put an attacking kick in for Petaia tells you a lot about the Wallabies’ attack in recent weeks.

Len Ikitau – 7.5

One of the Wallabies’ best. Ikitau scored a try, made a massive linebreak and was strong on either side of the ball.

His linebreak in the 29th minute should have led to some points. Instead, it led to a penalty to the Pumas one phase later as Nic White was pinged for a side entry at the ruck.

The Wallabies were smashed by Argentina at San Juan del Bicentenario Stadium on August 13, 2022 in San Juan. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Lalakai Foketi – 6

A couple of good touches, including in the 10th minute to slip a great ball to Ikitau.

Foketi did, however, overtrack in defense along with James O’Connor and Lachie Lonergan ahead of the Pumas’ third try.

Marika Koroibete – 6

Defensively Koroibete was excellent.

He had a fantastic trysaver on Boffelli and laid on some big shots, including one ahead of Fraser McReight’s turnover in the 10th minute.

His clearing kick beyond halfway in the 19th minute was a cracker, too.

Unfortunately Koroibete too was beaten in the air and the uncertainty in the air meant Argentina continued to pepper the Wallabies’ back three.

The little knock-on in the 41st minute at the base of the ruck straight after half-time summed up the Wallabies’ frustrating performance.

James O’Connor – 5

The Wallabies playmaker will likely shoulder some of the blame for the defeat, but that would be an unfair marker.

Had O’Connor’s try stood the Wallabies would have been in front and he would have had a great highlights moment. It didn’t and the Wallabies conceded two quick tries.

Defensively O’Connor had a couple of moments that won’t reflect well.

He was run over the top by Tomas Gallo in the sixth minute as Taniela Tupou fell off a tackle, he overtracked ahead of the Pumas’ third try and he spilled a ball in contact for the Pumas’ try after the Wallabies’ back three didn’ Don’t get hands on another kick.

There was however some nice manipulation of the defense in the 72nd minute as she ran to the line and put Ikitau through a little hole. But, as Rennie later lamented, the Wallabies pushed the pass and found the touchline.

James O’Connor (L) had a frustrating return at fly-half. Photo: AFPSource: AFP

Nick White – 5

The Wallabies’ struggles to hold onto the ball meant White had a frustrating Test.

The experienced halfback had little space to test out the Argentine defence.

Frustratingly, too, when the Wallabies had the ball in the opposition half they looked dangerous. They just didn’t keep the ball long enough to mount any real pressure.

He appeared lost with what to do in the 30th minute and had his pass intercepted.

Rob Valetini – 9

The Wallabies’ best player on the field.

Valetini’s ball carrying was a real feature.

I have powered over the gain line ahead of Slipper’s try for the Wallabies.

He was strong in defense too, producing a great counter-ruck in the 18th minute to allow McReight to get on the ball to win a penalty.

Lachie Lonergan’s nice ball sent Valetini through a huge hole in the 45th minute. It should have ended in a try as he unleashed Petaia, who was stripped over the line.

Valetini’s one blemish came in the 61st minute, as he slightly changed his direction after a chip and chase and was penalized.

Rob Valetini was the Wallabies’ best against Argentina. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Fraser McReight – 5.5

Good pressure on the ball, including a great breakdown win in the 10th minute.

Unfortunately for McReight he was sent to the sin bin midway through the second half despite referee Karl Dickson playing advantages ahead of their fifth try.

Jed Holloway – 6

Holloway was effective in the lineout and had a steal, too. He had some good runs to the line as well. But he needs to demand more of the ball.

The Waratahs forward looks set for a long stint in the side and his physical prowess will help with the pack.

Darcy Swain – 5.5

After last weekend’s outstanding Test, Swain wasn’t nearly as effective. why? Quite simply the Wallabies had little set piece ball.

Swain was penalized in the 28th minute after playing on despite a ruck being formed.

Rory Arnold – 6.5

A respectable return for the Japanese-bound lock.

Arnold carried well and even took an intercept in the 29th minute.

But his real strength around the maul wasn’t able to be used because of the Wallabies’ struggles under the high ball.

Taniela Tupou struggled for the Wallabies in his return to the starting side. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Taniela Tupou – 5

Punished at the scrum, the Wallabies struggled at the set-piece. They were penalized there on a number of occasions, with Tupou pinged for not driving straight.

Tupou was also penalized for collapsing a maul in the 24th minute.

It wasn’t until the 46th minute that Tupou managed to get well over the gain line.

The massive Wallabies tight-head prop has yet to master a Test that he has started.

Lachlan Lonergan – 6

A reasonable effort, having been asked to start against the Pumas.

The young Brumby’s lineout was largely effective.

But the Wallabies’ scrum was beaten, he over tracked ahead of the Pumas’ second try and missed a tackle from the kick restart in the 55th minute.

James Slipper (c) – 6.5

One of the Wallabies’ better forwards.

Slipper’s opening 20 minutes was outstanding. Unfortunately he was penalized for an illegal cleanout, which was questionable at best.

Slipper carried strongly and showed some good hands, too. He also scored the Wallabies’ first try.

The Wallabies suffered their greatest defeat to Argentina. Photo: AFPSource: AFP

BOOK

Billy Pollard – 5.5

Came on midway through the second half and hit the mark with his throws on debut. tick.

Matt Gibbon – N/A

Came on late for Slipper, but helped the Wallabies win a penalty when he went through the middle of a maul in the 71st minute.

Puts Fa’amausili – 6

Some great shots and strong carries after coming on midway through the second half. A promising debut off the bench.

Nick Frost – 5

Wasn’t able to impose himself like he did a week ago.

Pete Samu – 6

Effective on both sides of the ball after replacing Holloway in the second half.

Tate McDermott – 6

McDermott’s 50/22 in the 69th minute was a cracker. Unfortunately Valetini got clipped first phase from the attacking lineout and was brought down before Irae Simone was pinged for side entry at the ruck.

Irae Simone – N/A

Came on late but gave away a penalty for side entry at the ruck.

Reece Hodge – N/A

Another who came on late, Hodge was penalized for making contact in the air after not being in a realistic position to catch a ball at fullback.

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Wallabies smashed by Michael Cheika’s Argentina, scores, result, highlights

The Wallabies will return home with their tails between their legs after letting slip a golden opportunity in Argentina.

Dave Rennie’s men were left frustrated by an overturned try midway through the opening half, but they didn’t lose 48-17 in San Juan because of the moment.

Instead, not for the first time the Wallabies were slow out of the blocks and fell behind 14-0 after six minutes.

Argentina's Los Pumas wing Emiliano Boffelli (L) reacts after scoring a try at Bicentenario stadium in San Juan on August 13, 2022. Photo: AFP
Argentina’s Los Pumas wing Emiliano Boffelli (L) reacts after scoring a try at Bicentenario stadium in San Juan on August 13, 2022. Photo: AFPSource: AFP

The Wallabies felt like they should have taken the lead midway through the first half when James O’Connor touched down, but referee Karl Dickson instead sought the assistance of his TMO and it was deemed James Slipper had illegally cleaned his opponent out.

Former All Blacks star Andrew Mehrtens deemed the decision “ridiculous.”

Jordan Petaia got away a ball to James O’Connor to score. But the try was overturned. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Michael Cheika’s men rubbed salt into the wound by scoring two quick tries to open up a 26-10 lead at the break.

A penalty to Emiliano Boffelli and prop Thomas Gallo’s second try saw Los Pumas pull ahead.

While Len Ikitau hit back after 66 minutes, but two late tries saw the home side pull away and punish the Wallabies for their mistakes to grab a bonus point.

The Wallabies were tactically outplayed, with their back three exposed by Argentina’s shrewd kicking game where they put boot to ball on 28 occasions.

Taniela Tupou had a mixed day at the office for the Wallabies in San Juan. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

In particular Tom Wright, playing his second Test at fullback, was exposed in the air and with his decision making.

The Wallabies were beaten at the set-piece too, with their scrum struggling at times and although their attack looked good at times their lack of discipline also hurt while their defense was poor.

Rob Valetini was one of the Wallabies’ best, with the back-rower continually getting over the gain line.

O’Connor, meanwhile, had a frustrating return after he was denied a try.

The playmaker didn’t get nearly as much ball in his hands as he would have liked and Rennie has a decision to make regarding his playmakers, but it appears he has muddied the waters by turning away from youngster Noah Lolesio.

Dave Rennie’s side struggled from start to finish against Argentina. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

The loss heaps more pressure on Rennie, with the Wallabies coach losing men on and off the field and struggling to oversee victories.

Slipper described the loss as “disappointing” and a step backwards after a “difficult” tour where they lost their captain Michael Hooper (personal health) and Quade Cooper (ACL).

Nor are they likely to have Hooper back when they take on the Springboks in a fortnight at Adelaide Oval.

Rennie’s side conceded a try after just 60 seconds as Jordan Petaia passed a ball too hot to handle for his back three teammate Wright and the home side ran away to score.

Argentina had a second after just six minutes to leave the Wallabies shell-shocked. But the stunned Wallabies rallied, finally getting their hands on the ball after some Fraser McReight brilliance at the breakdown won the visitors some ball.

From a lineout soon after Valetini charged over the gain line and captain Slipper hit back to score.

Three points from the kicking tee saw the Wallabies close to within four points.

Rob Valetini (C) put the motions in track for the Wallabies’ opening try. Photo: AFPSource: AFP

The Wallabies looked like they would go ahead, but O’Connor’s try midway through the second half was overturned after Slipper was pinged for an illegal cleanout.

Former All Blacks star Andrew Mehrtens slammed the call by referee Kael Dickson to reverse the decision, describing it as “ridiculous”.

The decision proved to be a 14-point swing soon after as Jeronimo de la Fuente scored in the 24th minute.

Seven minutes later Juan Martin Gonzalez scored to extend their lead out to 26-10.

The Wallabies had some luck of their own when Emiliano Boffelli was denied a try after the TMO Marius van der Westhuizen found no reason to overturn the initial no try ruling by Dickson. Boffelli’s lost ball came after some brilliance from Marika Koroibete in defence.

Mehrtens, however, disagreed, saying “I’m struggling to understand how the ball touching the ground is not compelling evidence”.

After a quieter start to the second half, at least from a points perspective, Wright’s inexperience at fullback was exposed again in the 52nd minute as the Brumbies back opted to run the ball back from rather than kick. It left him isolated as the Pumas got on the ball to win a penalty, which allowed Boffelli to add another three points from the kicking tee to see the home take a 29-10 advantage.

Ikitau hit back for the visitors, but two tries in the final five minutes of the Test saw the home side seal a convincing victory.

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Wallabies vs Argentina, Lalakai Foketi, Giteau Law, World Cup, LIV golf, video

Amid golfer Cameron Smith’s rumored decision to take the money and run to LIV, Lalakai Foketi – the relatively unknown Test center – showed that there are still some things in professional sport that money can’t buy. In his case of him, a Wallabies jersey.

The question, however, is for how long, particularly with chatter that Rugby Australia’s eligibility laws will be blown up for next year’s World Cup.

It’s understood in March that Foketi, 27, turned down hundreds of thousands of dollars for the chance to continue his career for the Wallabies.

With his career progression at the Waratahs slowed by injuries, he was offered a large contract worth more than $500,000 to join French Top 14 club Clermont.

He turned it down, but not long after fellow Australian Irae Simone took the money and, therefore, will unlikely ever play for the Wallabies again based on Rugby Australia’s new Overseas Player Selection Policy.

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Lalakai Foketi opted to stay in Australia for the chance to play for the Wallabies instead of taking up an offer overseas.  Photo: Getty Images
Lalakai Foketi opted to stay in Australia for the chance to play for the Wallabies instead of taking up an offer overseas. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Foketi, who made his debut against Wales last November, will start for the first time in the No.12 jersey in the absence of Samu Kerevi and Hunter Paisami.

Simone is in-line to play his third Test, after curiously being named on the bench ahead of Noah Lolesio.

You wonder what Lolesio, who played all three Tests against England, and Suliasi Vunivalu, the two-time NRL premiership winner, must be thinking after being left out?

After all, it was only recently the duo re-signed with Rugby Australia.

Now both are seemingly sliding down the pecking order, while in the case of Vunivalu, the high-profile recruit has only been afforded a couple of minutes off the bench at the SCG.

Yet the decision by Foketi to turn down the money is curious.

He is not the only Australian player to turn down overseas offers, or indeed return home, for the lure of the gold jersey.

Nic White and Matt To’omua craved the chance to play for the Wallabies and returned home ahead of the 2019 World Cup to pursue their international debuts.

Others. like James O’Connor, followed suit.

Rising star Nick Frost managed to recently get out of a deal to join Robbie Deans at Panasonic. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Nick Frost, the 22-year-old rising star, also reneged on a deal to join Robbie Deans’ Panasonic Wild Knights in the Japanese League One competition.

After a cracking game for the Brumbies, Frost’s coach Dan McKellar raised the possibility of him opting out. RA, along with his management of him and the blessing on the Japanese club, skilfully managed to get the second-rower out of the deal.

It’s a different story for Foketi because as talented as the center is, he still did not make Rennie’s initial squad for the England series. Only injury, as well as Kerevi’s desire to represent Australia in the Commonwealth Games, saw the Waratah called up.

Players like Foketi, as well as Hamish Stewart who too craves a Wallabies cap, are the bread and butter of domestic rugby. Without them, the game Down Under would have invested too much in too few leaving too little for the raw talent underneath.

“I went away after I finished school. I debuted for the Rebels and then went to France when I was young and quickly realized that this is the dream and this is what I wanted to do my rugby career,” Foketi said on Friday.

“I’m grateful that I’m here and I’ve just been working hard to get to this point.

“With other options and stuff, (they) haven’t really been at the forefront of my mind. My family’s happy in Sydney, and that’s another big reason, but this is always the pinnacle of rugby, for me.”

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Lalakai Foketi celebrates a try at the Sydney Cricket Ground for the Waratahs. Photo; Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

It is why RA, privately and publicly, will not entertain opening the floodgates and pick widely from overseas because the fear is it will decimate Super Rugby and cripple their stakeholders, namely the Super Rugby franchises, especially in non-World Cup years.

Next year will be the litmus test. Even after Rennie floated the idea of ​​raising the possibility of adding an additional fourth “overseas” pick for the Rugby Championship before their tour of Argentina, RA was privately shutting down any hope of the third-year international coach being able to pick Rory Arnold, Kerevi, Marika Koroibete and Quade Cooper in the same squad.

Season-ending injuries to Cooper and Kerevi have saved Rennie from an intriguing decision.

Yet for months talk has bubbled under the surface that the eligibility criteria will be scrapped for the World Cup year, with as many as five or six players in the mix.

Whether that occurs remains to be seen and injuries could yet have a telling impact.

Japan-bound Rory Arnold will play for the Wallabies against Argentina. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

But as world No.2 golfer Smith sits on a reported $140 million deal to join the LIV Golf Series, sports stars across the world are increasingly choosing money over legacy.

Who can blame them? Private equity, and new found success, seems like the only way to put a lid on Wallabies heading overseas.

How sustainable it is remains questionable, but given Australia is hosting a World Cup in 2027 (men’s) and 2029 (women’s) the governing body will do everything it can to keep players at home.

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Wallabies player ratings from Argentina win, Quade Cooper, Fraser McReight, video highlights

Dave Rennie’s team is full of character. That much is certain.

The Wallabies have once again won a Test they had every right not to.

After losing their best back Samu Kerevi, they lost their consistent hooker Dave Porecki throughout the week and their talismanic captain Michael Hooper 24 hours out from kick off.

Then, compounding the issues, they lost their quarterback and most experienced back Quade Cooper, who was forced off and might not play for the Wallabies again. This was a devastating blow, and his loss from him could be felt hardest next year if, indeed, the extraordinary playmaker does not recover in time to play at his third World Cup.

Making their 41-26 come-from-behind victory all the more extraordinary was that they trailed 19-10 at half-time and 26-17 midway through the second half.

Yet on the back of a fabulous second half, where the Wallabies went back to basics and did a number of Argentina’s set-piece, particularly at the maul (well done Dan McKellar), but the Wallabies won and earned a bonus point with the last play of the game.

Players like Jed Holloway and Fraser McReight, who were quiet in the first-half and gave penalties away too, had second halves to remember as they played their role in doing it for ‘Hoops’.

Here are our player ratings from the 15-point win, which saw the Wallabies move to the top of The Rugby Championship standings.

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The Wallabies celebrate after defeating Argentina in Mendoza.  Photo: AFP
The Wallabies celebrate after defeating Argentina in Mendoza. Photo: AFPSource: AFP

Tom Wright- 8

There’s something beautiful about watching Wright play in the outside backs. He’s such a gifted runner and playmaker that he looks like he could do something with every touch of the ball.

Importantly the mistakes have largely been cut out and the Brumbies back should be named in the No.15 jersey again after an excellent first start in the role.

Wright’s running play was again a feature and was first on display at the 24th minute.

Later, in the 43rd minute, he combined spectacularly with Cooper from a quick lineout, dummied, ran and sent Jordan Petaia away and got the ball back before slinging it back in the field where Holloway almost scored.

His clearing kick in the 55th minute, however, was something to learn from. Kicking has to be done with purpose and rather than see the man open and unmarked in the middle of the field, Wright under pressure smashed it down field and Argentina countered and scored. It was excellent running rugby, but Wright was gassed on the other side of the field as his efforts were in vain.

Regardless, this was a good first-up showing from the new fullback.

Jordan Petaia – 7

Did little wrong, but was a little quiet – in large part because of the new, clunky combinations at 9-10-12.

But Petaia scored after running a good line off Cooper.

His slips catch, break and kick to a barnstorming Nick Frost in the 84th minute also set-up the Wallabies’ bonus point fifth try.

Physically Petaia stood up to the test, too.

Len Ikitau – 6.5

Strong on either side of the ball, Ikitau showed up in lights when he scored.

But before then he had a couple of good runs, including a flick out the back door to the ever-impressive Rob Valetini, and defensively was strong.

Wallabies bag late, late bonus point try | 00:43

Hunter Paisami – 7

In the absence of Kerevi, Paisami had a reasonable showing.

The chunkiness of the backline at times became from the new combinations, as well as the change from Cooper to Reece Hodge.

But Paisami regularly challenged the line, including his last second linebreak and pinpoint pass to Ikitau to score.

Earlier, in the sixth minute, he overtracked in defense when Pablo Matera scored but that was because his forwards had left a gaping hole around the ruck near their own goal line/A couple of good show and goes late in the second half.

Marika Koroibete – 6.5

Busy as always and showing a good awareness of the laws of the game (clear release and go), Koroibete hardly put a foot wrong against Argentina.

He did, however, get pinged for an extra roll in the 30th minute, but that was likely in an attempt to buy some more time for his teammates after Wright’s inside ball.

Quade Cooper suffered a devastating injury against Argentina in his comeback match. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Quad Cooper – 6.5

Forced off in the 48th minute due to a severe Achilles injury, Cooper’s season is over in the most devastating circumstances.

There was the good: his beautiful ball to Petaia to score, the linebreak through the middle and the twinkle feet.

There was the bad: the offload in contact in the opening minute after Nic White’s box kick was charged down.

But there was also voice, direction and purpose in what was his first game in months.

Cooper showed some physicality in defense too, while he was pinged at the breakdown once, but he was engaged and ever present.

Nick White – 6.5

Charged down in the opening minute, it looked like it could be a long day early for the Wallabies.

White’s kicking game was a feature and twice the halfback managed to get incredible angle from his clearing kicks past halfway.

Rob Valetini – 9

The engine behind the Wallabies’ win, Valetini was everywhere.

Valetini was strong carrying and regularly powered the Wallabies over the advantage line.

It started from the outset too, with storming runs in the eighth minute, which allowed Cooper to slot an early three points.

Some poor hands in the 25th minute hurt, but otherwise Valetini was the Wallabies’ best ball-runner.

Australia’s Rob Valetini (C) was one of the Wallabies’ best. Photo: AFPSource: AFP

Fraser McReight – 7.5

Stepping in at the last moment for Hooper, McReight showed how capable he is in his first Test start.

After a frustrating first-half, which included not being passed the ball after Cooper’s linebreak and was pinged at the breakdown for side entry, McReight had a second half to remember.

He scored a try from a lineout move and regularly got his hands on the ball, too. Physicality McReight stood up.

From a balance perspective, McReight seemed to compliment Valetini and Jed Holloway very well.

Jed Holloway – 6

By his own admission, Holloway had an unfortunate first half but got better as the game went on.

He was pinged a couple of times for penalties – jumping across the lineout in the fifth minute, hick tackle in 36rd and landing on the lifter in the 40th – even though the latter was unfortunate and he won the ball.

But Holloway’s second half was excellent and included some incredible hands on the deck, dragging McReight over the try line and some physicality in defense too.

Matt Philip – 6.5

A strong lineout steal in the 31st minute, Philip’s lineout work was strong.

His missed tackle on Marcos Kremer in the 51st minute came back not to haunt him fortunately, as the Pumas No.10 dropped it cold with the line in sight.

Darcy Swain and Fraser McReight had days to remember at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on August 06, 2022 in Mendoza. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Darcy Swain – 9.5

The Wallaby’s best game.

Swain was brilliant at the lineout, in the maul, in contact, and even allowed space to open up for Cooper to run into.

The returning lock even got on the ball in the 17th minute to win a breakdown penalty.

Allan Alaalatoa – 6

Penalized once again the scrum for walking the scrum around

Alaalatoa managed some grunt and put the foundations in place for Tupou to then explode into.

Folau Fainga’a enjoyed his best performance in the Wallabies jersey. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Folau Fainga’a – 9

The Force-bound hooker doesn’t always get a rap for his lineout work, but Fainga’a’s throw was excellent all day and his attention to detail was evident.

The Wallabies’ lineout was a weapon and Fainga’a was at the epicenter of it, scoring a try, contributing to a penalty try and another to McReight.

James Slipper – 7.5

The Wallabies captain didn’t necessarily take the game by storm, but he gets another point for his leadership and ability to keep the squad focused following Hooper’s late withdrawal.

The scrum largely operated well with him on, while defensively he was strong.

Slipper’s decision making on when to take the points and when to go to the lineout also paid off.

James Slipper receives The Puma Trophy after winning The Rugby Championship against the Argentina Pumas at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on August 06, 2022 in Mendoza. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

BOOK

Lachlan Lonergan – N/A

Came on late in the 72nd minute, Lonergan was busy and did little wrong.

Matt Gibbon – N/A

On debut, Gibbon replaced Slipper at the death.

He was pinged for in the 75th minute at the scrum.

Taniela Tupou – 7.5

A couple of brilliant runs in defense and some great scrummaging, Tupou had a massive influence on the game after coming after 53 minutes.

Nick Frost – 6.5

A real player for the future What about the pace to reel in Petaia’s kick in the 85th minute?

Rob Leota – N/A

Another to come on late. Leota had a strong carry.

Pete Samu – 6

Played his part in the second half as the Wallabies made the most of their momentum.

Jake Gordon – N/A

Gordon came on in the final 10 minutes but got away with a flat ball to Paisami, who sent Ikitau in.

Reece Hodge – 7.5

Kicked his goals, was composed with and without the ball. Job done.

But did the forward pass to Koroibete in the 67th minute show his playmaker shortcomings? His body shape of him was interesting to observe.

Either way, Hodge once again showed how important he is to the Wallabies squad.

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Wallabies vs Argentina, live, scores, result, team news, highlights, Michael Hooper

Welcome to live coverage of the Wallabies vs Argentina from Mendoza. Follow all the live action in our blog below!

The Michael Hooper-less Wallabies have it all to in the second half in Mendoza, with the visitors trailing Michael Cheika’s Argentina Pumas 19-10.

Without their captain, the Wallabies started slowly with their discipline, ball security and clearing kicks poor.

The Wallabies trailed 7-0 after a try to Pablo Matera, which came after Nic White and Quade Cooper failed to clear their own line from the opening kick.

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Three points to Cooper settled down proceedings, but Argentina managed to restore their converted try margin soon after.

Some Cooper magic sent Jordan Petaia over to score, before the Wallabies returned to their ill-discipline ways as Emiliano Boffelli added another two penalties to give the Pumas a 19-10 lead at half-time.

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Jordan Petaia scores a try against Argentina at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on August 06, 2022 in Mendoza, Argentina.  Photo: Getty Images
Jordan Petaia scores a try against Argentina at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on August 06, 2022 in Mendoza, Argentina. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Fraser McReight is playing in the No.7 jersey following Hooper’s withdrawal on the eve of the Rugby Championship opener.

The Reds No.7 is one of eight changes to the starting side, which is missing hooker Dave Porecki and center Samu Kerevi.

WALLABIES (15-1): Tom Wright, Jordan Petaia, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Marika Koroibete, Quade Cooper, Nic White, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Jed Holloway, Matt Philip, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa, Folau Fainga’a, James Slipper (c)

Reservations: Lachlan Lonergan, Matt Gibbon, Taniela Tupou, Nick Frost, Rob Leota, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Reece Hodge

COUGARS (15-1): Juan Cruz Mallia, Santiago Cordero, Matias Orlando, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Emiliano Boffelli, Santiago Carreras, Tomas Cubelli, Pablo Matera, Marcos Kremer, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Tomas Lavanini, Matias Alemanno, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Julian Montoya (c), Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro

Reservations: Agustin Creevy, Thomas Gallo, Joel Sclavi, Santiago Grondona, Rodrigo Bruni, Lautaro Bazan Velez, Tomas Albornoz, Matias Moroni

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