Widely beaten during the first day, respectively by the South Africans (43-12), the Australians delivered, on Saturday in Sydney, a messy and disjointed meeting, won at the last second by Argentina. Succession of approximations, clumsiness and bad choices, this meeting ended in an Argentinian exploit and the Pumas will not have to regret their wasted opportunities in the 40th (scramble penalized in numerical superiority in front of the Australian in-goal ) and in the 44th (two against a winner forgotten by winger Isgro Alastra for his back Emiliano Boffelli).
The effect Eddie Jones, new coach in charge since January, is slow to express himself on the field as the Wallabies, undisciplined, seem to be looking for a coherent game organization. Enthusiastic but disorderly, they got entangled in the Argentine defense while their opponent found offensive solutions. What resulted was a wobbly and frustrating encounter, with Puma striker Emiliano Boffelli adding a second penalty goal on the hour mark to put his side ahead, 17-20, against all odds.
The chalice to the dregs
A short fight initiated by the number eight Aussie Rob Valetini came to wake up this very bland match, which had nevertheless been enlightened by the strong try of the hooker and Argentinian captain Julian Montoya at the level of a ruck (46th) and the narrow breakaway of number nine Nic White (53rd) around his scrum. This put back the two teams tied (17-17). But it was said that the Wallabies, very mediocre, would drink the chalice to the dregs.
The Argentine attack, well organized, rich in varied runs and well-timed passes, sent its left winger Mateo Carreras on trial (69th) transformed into a corner (17-27). While the songs of the Argentine supporters redoubled in intensity, the Wallabies thought they avoided humiliation thanks to the test of Samu Kerevi (72nd) and, five minutes from the end, that of Mark Nawaqanitiwase on interception. But they were overwhelmed at the last second by the dive of number 8 puma Juan Martin Gonzalez Samso flush with a ruck (converted try, 31-34).
2023-07-15 12:06:23
#Argentina #feat #Australia #Rugby #Championship
