Australia holds off Argentina 27-21 in Jujuy to claim fourth straight victory

Fast start in Jujuy

Australia opened a rapid lead in the first test of their two-match series against Argentina at Estadio 23 de Agosto in San Salvador de Jujuy. In the sixth minute, hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa took a pass from Josh Canham to crawl over the try line following initial runs by Rob Valetini and Tom Hooper. Five minutes later, flyhalf Carter Gordon targeted a gap in the defensive line to power over for the Wallabies' second try. Fullback Geronimo Prisciantelli replied for the home side in the 14th minute after Santiago Carreras and Rodrigo Isgro opened up space on the counter. Fraser McReight restored Australia's buffer by burrowing over from close range following repeat pressure and tactical kicks into the Argentine 22.

Disciplinary tests and halftime margin

The match, staged at 1,250 metres above sea level, saw physical fatigue and errors enter play late in the first half. Australia were reduced to 14 players when winger Harry Potter received a 10-minute yellow card for sticking a hand out at a Faustino Sanchez Valarolo pass. Argentina capitalized three minutes before the interval when number eight Joaquin Moro took a quick tap from a free kick at a scrum and forced his way over. Carreras converted to reduce the deficit, but Ryan Lonergan kicked a penalty with the final action of the half to send Australia into the break leading 22-14.

Second-half pressure and defensive stand

Argentina intensified their attack early in the second half, finding success when attacking from deep positions and turnovers. Loosehead prop Boris Wenger scored a try in the 52nd minute, and Carreras added his third conversion of the night to cut the Australian lead to 22-21. Australia answered within two minutes when Hooper finished off a counter-attack after stringing together multiple phases from deep. Substitute Ben Donaldson missed the conversion, leaving Australia with a 27-21 advantage for the remaining 27 minutes. The visitors then held off late pressure from Argentina, who struggled to retain possession in the attacking 22.

Here at altitude the shoulders are sore, the lungs are sore. It was a hard test match and the whole 23 got us across the line.

Winning run under Les Kiss

The victory extends Australia's winning streak to four matches across 2026, marking their first four-game sequence in a single calendar year since 2021. The run includes an opening victory over Italy in July, two wins against Japan earlier in August, and Saturday's result against seventh-ranked Argentina. Australia head coach Les Kiss remains unbeaten through three tests since succeeding Joe Schmidt. Hooper credited the coaching staff's approach for the squad's recent form and discipline in preparation.

I think the way Les communicates is very calming. He's brought a really good mindset in terms of how we're training and if you want to be world class, get good results and lift a bit of silverware you have to train world class.

The two sides will contest the second test of the series in Mendoza next week. Australia face a potential lineup adjustment after Lonergan sustained an arm injury during the contest. The four-nation Rugby Championship is suspended this season while New Zealand completes a four-test tour of South Africa.