Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
The Wallabies are determined to make sure the 2024 horrors of Santa Fe serve as a lesson rather than a debilitating scar heading into this weekend’s clash with Argentina.
Australia posted their fourth consecutive Test victory – and third straight under new coach Les Kiss – with a 27-21 win over Argentina in San Salvador on Sunday (AEST).
But the Wallabies are taking nothing for granted heading into this week’s re-match with Argentina, with the pain of the past keeping their mind’s laser-focused.
Two years ago, Australia followed up a one-point win over Argentina in La Plata with a record-breaking 67-27 loss in Santa Fe.
It marked the most points the Wallabies had ever conceded in a match, and came as a huge shock considering they had led 20-3 before imploding.
Star Wallabies back Max Jorgensen says that experience was still in the back of the Wallabies’ minds as they prepare for their Santa Fe return.
“I think a big one is sort of looking back at two years ago when we were over here last time,” Jorgensen said.
“We had a close win in the first game. It was good to get that, and then went to Santa Fe the week after and put in a pretty poor performance and lost by a fair bit, as everyone knows.
“It obviously hurts deep down losing a Test match by that much.
“So it’s definitely at the back of our minds for the boys that were there.”
The Wallabies looked like a national outfit bereft of answers during a lean streak of nine losses from 10 Tests near the end of Joe Schmidt’s reign.
But four wins in a row have buoyed hopes of Australia being a competitive force at next year’s home World Cup.
“It feels great,” Jorgensen said of the winning streak.
“Everyone wants to be in a winning change room after a Test match. To do it four times in a row now is pretty special.
“The World Cup is going to be massive, and I think everyone has it in the back of their mind.
“But we’ve got a task at hand, and that’s to beat Argentina this week.”
Jorgensen praised the influence of new coach Kiss, who has led the Wallabies to two wins over Japan and one over Argentina since taking over.
“Everyone knows he’s a world-class coach, and he’s won his first three games, which has been amazing,” Jorgensen said.
