Argentina delivered a landmark victory against the Wallabies in Santa Fe, overcoming a 17-point deficit to secure a 67-27 win in the Rugby Championship. The match began with the hosts trailing 20-3, but they surged forward in the final ten minutes of the second half, scoring four tries within a nine-minute span.
This defeat is the most points the Wallabies have ever conceded in a test match, surpassing the 61-22 loss they suffered in South Africa in 1997. This lopsided result followed a narrow 20-19 victory for Australia over Argentina just a week earlier, which came in harsh rainy conditions.
In sunny weather this time, Australia initially appeared to be in control when Ben Donaldson set up fullback Andrew Kellaway for their second try, extending their lead to 17 points. Loose forward Carlo Tizzano had already scored the first try of the game after a Los Pumas penalty goal.
However, Argentina changed the game’s momentum ten minutes before halftime, with Mateo Carreras finishing off an impressive play by Pablo Matera, followed by captain Julian Montoya breaking through the unsteady Wallabies defense. They nearly added to their score before halftime and continued their strong performance after the break, capitalizing on an early mistake by Marika Koroibete, which led to Juan Martin Gonzalez scoring.
The onslaught continued with Pablo Matera’s try, following changes made by coach Schmidt in the halves. Argentina then achieved a remarkable streak, scoring 38 consecutive points, with Joaquin Oviedo also contributing to the tally.