The Pumas were defeated 7-0 by Australia at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza during the second test match of the series. The Argentine team is looking to recover after a previous loss of 27 to 21.
The match in Mendoza was the first since 2024 that the province hosted the national team, having previously held a friendly against France. The Pumas have played a total of 15 international matches in Mendoza since 1997, recording seven victories, one draw, and six losses. This duel marked the fifth encounter between Argentina and Australia in the province, where the head-to-head record favors the Wallabies, who have five wins in their visits.
In the previous matchup, Australia quickly took the lead with a score of 12 to 0 in the opening minutes, thanks to tries by Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Max Jorgensen. The Pumas managed to narrow the gap with a try from Gerónimo Prisciantelli, but finished the first half trailing 22 to 14 against the Wallabies. In the second half, the Argentines closed the gap again, but the Australians extended their lead and secured victory with a final score of 27 to 21.
Head coach Felipe Contepomi made four changes to the starting team, hoping to revitalize the team’s performance, especially in the forward pack. Efraín Elías and Franco Molina entered in the second row, while Pedro Delgado filled the prop position. Nicolás Roger took on the role of fly-half, altering the team’s strategy.
On the other hand, Les Kiss, the Australian coach, made significant changes to his lineup, highlighting the return of Ben Donaldson as fly-half and the reintroduction of Harry Wilson as team captain. After this match, the Pumas are preparing for a series of three away matches in November, facing Ireland, Italy, and France, in the context of the Nations Championship.
Source: www.infobae.com
