‘Didn’t panic’: Kiss hails Wallabies’ character after nervy win over Argentina

Les Kiss hailed his side’s calmness under pressure after the Wallabies continued their unbeaten run under the new coach with a 27-21 win over Argentina in San Salvador de Jujuy on Sunday morning (AEST).

The downside was that most of that pressure was self-inflicted, with the Wallabies’ mistakes giving the Pumas plenty of opportunity to snatch victory in a tense final 20 minutes.

But based on gutsy defence and another dominant performance from the Australian forwards – who scored three of the Wallabies’ four tries and dominated Argentina in the set-pieces – Kiss’ men got home for another victory.

It was a third straight win under Kiss since he took over at the start of August, and the fourth consecutive win by the Wallabies; a feat not achieved since Dave Rennie’s side won five in a row in 2021.

The Wallabies led 19-7 early in the game, but Argentina fought back to trail by just one point with 30 minutes remaining. But a 54th-minute try from back-rower Tom Hooper pushed the Wallabies back out to a six-point lead, one they held on to in a see-sawing final 25 minutes.

It was again far from perfect, and the Wallabies were fortunate Argentina’s inexperience and ill-discipline scuttled many chances they had to steal a win in the second half. The Pumas, ranked No.7 in the world, were without many of their top stars.

But it was still a victory in Argentina, which is regarded as one of the toughest places to win in the world, and at altitude as well. And just as they did in Osaka, the win came down to plenty of character shown in defence in the dying stages.

“Certainly happy with the win, for sure,” Kiss said.

“To get the wins in a row that we’ve had lately, four now, it’s a real plus for us. That’s a positive. So happy with that. Happy with certain elements of our game. However, we did put ourselves under pressure and offered too many opportunities with some options that just gave them field position and gave them the ball freely.

“We’re not going to lose the run of ourselves, but we’ll also accept that it’s Test rugby, and to get a win is very important.”

There was concern the win may have come at a high cost, with in-form halfback Ryan Lonergan leaving the field after taking a head knock during a try-saving cover tackle in the second half. But he passed an HIA and is expected to be fit for the second Test in Mendoza next weekend.

Kiss said the character shown by the Wallabies’ players – in several different combinations – during his first month with the side has been noteworthy.

“Really buying into what it takes when we haven’t got the ball to dig in and find a way to make sure we can repel the opposition,” he said.

“We weren’t perfect for sure, but we really fight hard for each other and fight hard for staying in the game under the best terms that we can. They (Argentina) are a dangerous side.

“Talking to Al (Alaalatoa) and Fraser afterwards, who took over captaincy after Al left, there was a certain strong calmness on the pitch. We didn’t let the pressure get on top of us and weigh us down.

“Fraser talked about how the team didn’t panic at all. They stayed calm and connected to the things that we believe can contribute to staying together and connected.”

The Wallabies led 22-14 at halftime after an opening 40 minutes where they had the majority of possession and territory.

Superb handling by Wallabies locks Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams laid on a first try for hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa in the sixth minute, and a second try followed for Carter Gordon in the 10th minute from close range.

The Wallabies defence was wobblier, however, and Argentina sliced through the middle near the ruck for their first try to Gerónimo Priscinatell. But a McReight pick-and-drive gave Australia a third try inside the opening 19th minutes.

The Wallabies survived a yellow card to Harry Potter without conceding, but then gave up a try to Joaquin Moro a minute after he returned. A Lonergan penalty after the halftime siren pushed the lead back out, but the Pumas scored in the 51st minute, bringing it back to a one-point ballgame.

Up against a strong Pumas defence, the Wallabies sought to use passing skill to find gaps, with mixed results. But some slick passes helped put Hunter Paisami through a gap, and it ended with Hooper scoring with 26 minutes left on the clock. That proved to be the match-winner.

Kiss said there was a balance to be found in over-playing in the last quarter and not going into shells.

“It was just the execution that let us down at times as well. The boys have their hands up for that,” he said. “A few things to work on for sure.

“This won’t be an easy game than the next one. History tells any team that comes to Argentina.”

The Wallabies have won the first game of their last three trips to Argentina, in 2022 and 2024. But on those two tours, the Wallabies then got flogged in the second game.

Kiss has kept calvalry in reserve, however, with captain Harry Wilson, Taniela Tupou, Len Ikitau, Carlo Tizzano and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto all unused in the Jujuy win. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii also turned in a strong performance from the bench in the last 15 minutes.