The Pumas get their revenge in Sydney

In the fourth round of the VISA Macro Rugby Championship, Los Pumas earned a measure of revenge over Australia, edging them 28–26 at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. The result came just a week after Argentina had fallen 28–24 to the Wallabies in a dramatic finish in Townsville. The match also marked Julián Montoya’s 50th Test as captain.

Argentina started strongly, winning the opening scrum and taking the lead in the third minute through a penalty from Santiago Carreras. The Wallabies hit back almost immediately, with centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii crossing for the first try of the afternoon. Los Pumas responded quickly, regaining the lead in the seventh minute after captain Montoya forced a turnover and Argentina powered over for their opening try.

Maintaining their intensity, Los Pumas extended their advantage in the 13th minute with a second penalty from Carreras. Australia’s situation worsened when Jorgensen was shown a yellow card, leaving the hosts a man down. Felipe Contepomi’s side capitalised with another three points in the 25th minute before Carreras added a fourth penalty just before halftime, giving Argentina a 19–7 lead at the break.

Argentina resumed the second half with the same focus and added yet another penalty through Carreras just three minutes after the restart. Australia continued to struggle with discipline, conceding two more penalties, both converted by the Argentine fly-half to push the lead out further.

Carreras was shown a yellow card in the 28th minute, giving Australia a lifeline. The Wallabies seized the momentum and scored twice in quick succession through Andrew Kellaway and Filipo Daugunu to close the gap. Argentina were forced to defend deep in their own half in the closing stages, and with two minutes remaining, Daugunu crossed again — but the try was ruled out for a forward pass after a TMO review.

This time, unlike in Townsville, Los Pumas held firm to deny the Wallabies a late comeback and seal a 28–26 victory that keeps them firmly in the championship race.

Argentina will be back in action on Saturday, September 27, at 12:10 p.m. ET, when they travel to Durban to face South Africa at Kings Park Stadium in the fifth round of the competition.