Wallabies vs Argentina: Player ratings

Sat, Sep 16, 2017, 2:20 PM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
A vastly improved 2nd half from the Wallabies has seen them convincingly defeat the Pumas by a final score of 45-20. The win sees them notch their first win of the 2017 Rugby Championship.

They got a win, but how did the Wallabies players rate in their 45-20 victory over Argentina.

We run the rule over the 23.

1. Scott Sio - 7

The Wallabies were impressive in the second half. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart WalmsleyThe Wallabies scrum looked far more solid than it had in Perth, dominating the Pumas, and Sio was a large part of that.

2. Tatafu Polota-Nau - 7

Another battering for Polota-Nau, but he continues to show why he is considered the no. 1 hooker in the country, again relentless for the Wallabies.

3. Sekope Kepu  - 7

Kepu is back. The tighthead crossed for a try that shifted the momentum in the second half and proved a steadying influence in the scrum.

4. Rob Simmons - 5

Was replaced not long after half-time, with a corked thigh, but showed another relatively consistent performance. A sneaky behind-the-back pass helped the Wallabies to a crucial try just before his exit.

5. Adam Coleman - 8

Adam Coleman was aggressive again. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart WalmsleyColeman again set the tone in defence for the Wallabies, continuing to push his value to the Test side upwards. Finished with 12 tackles in a monstrous effort. 

6. Ned Hanigan - 5

Still finding himself at this level, but again showed the workrate Michael Cheika likes in him, Wasn’t his best game, with some inaccurate defence.

7. Michael Hooper (c) - 8

Hooper was his usual industrious self, finishing with 14 tackles and two turnovers, as well as showing some pace in attack, breaking tackles and setting the Wallabies up. 

8. Sean McMahon - 9

Sean McMahon was impressive in Canberra. Photo: Getty ImagesThere’s a reason Michael Cheika wants Sean McMahon to be a part of ius 2019 World Cup plans and the fearless backrower showed it again on Saturday. Effective in attack with 91 run metres, and racking up 17 tackles. A beast.

9. Will Genia (vc) - 8

Was back to his cleaner service this weekend, in a Wallabies attack that started to show signs of real improvement. A clever try off the back of a scrum sealed the game for Australia.

10. Bernard Foley (vc) - 9

Put the Wallabies under pressure with some poor defence early on, but steadied and was the pillar in their attack, in a man-of-the-match performance.. Had a hand in a number of positive chains and kicked well in front of goal. 

11. Reece Hodge - 6

Hodge made 64 metres and eight tackles in a solid performance, but wasn’t a standout by any means in Canberra.


p>12. Kurtley Beale - 7

Again provided much-needed attacking spark for the Wallabies, with his break giving the Wallabies their first real shot at the try line, half an hour in. 

13. Tevita Kuridrani - 6

Kuridrani threatened in attack and was solid in defence, in a typically reliable performance from the outside centre. No major bloopers but nothing spectacular either. 

14. Henry Speight - 4

Played 50 minutes and though he worked hard, had minimal impact on the edge, replaced early in the second half by Marika Koroibete.

15. Israel Folau - 9

Israel Folau dotted down for his fourth double of 2017. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart WalmsleyFolau was back to his finishing best in Canberra, scoring his fourth double in seven Tests this season. Fumbled a high ball early in an uncharacteristic error, but found his way after that. This is the Israel Folau fans want to see.

Reserves

16. Jordan Uelese - N/A 


Scored a try after full-time but didn’t have much time to make any other kind of impact.

17. Tom Robertson - N/A

18. Allan Alaalatoa – N/A

19. Izack Rodda -  5

Rodda looks like he belongs at Test level, and will be all the better for the run in Canberra.

20. Jack Dempsey - 6

Jack Dempsey played his third Test on Saturday night. Photo; RUGBY.com.au/Stuart WalmsleyDempsey had some strong carries but didn’t set the world alight in his third Test.

21. Nick Phipps - N/A 

Like Uelese managed a late try but only played seven minutes.

22. Samu Kerevi - N/A

By the time Kerevi came on, the sting was well out of the game. 

23. Marika Koroibete - 7

Marika Koroibete earned his first Test cap on Saturday night. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart WalmsleyLooked at home in Test rugby, and could very nearly have had a try on debut when his Rebels teammate Sean McMahon took off inside him before handing off to Nick Phipps.

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