Five things we learnt from Wallabies - Argentina

Sat, Sep 6, 2025, 7:30 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

Joe Schmit's miracle men continue to pull off the impossible as the Wallabies took down Argentina 28-24 in Townsville.

Down and out at half-time, Australia's superstars stood up and delivered another magical comeback victory.

Get your tickets to see the Wallabies take on Argentina in Townsville and Sydney!

So what did we learn?

1. All or nothing 

Let’s begin with this: win or loss, Harry Wilson’s decision to turn down a kick to draw and pursue the victory was the right call on every day that ends in 'y'.

Wilson had full faith in his pack, and they delivered through replacement Angus Bell.

Bell was excellent once again as a second-half finisher - lifting the Wallabies and inspiring the comeback. It's becoming a real weapon having the Waratah unleash the full tank for 40 minutes after the break.

There was no way Australia should’ve been comfortable with a draw.

To quote YG: Scared money don't make no money.

2. Sensational centres

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Len Ikitau carried the Wallabies to victory with an inspired second half.

The Wallabies’ comeback started when Suaalii ripped the ball clean in the 43rd minute for Max Jorgensen to kick ahead for a goal-line dropout. Minutes later, the centre was backing up his partner, Ikitau, for a five-pointer.

His second was classic Suaalii as the superstar got one-on-one with the Argentinian defence and made them pay. There's a fair argument to make that this was his best game in the gold jersey, even better than his England debut.

But Ikitau was a man possessed. He made so many tough carries and was inspirational in the middle of the field.

He was the top carrier (16) by far and had a hand in three of the Wallabies' tries with his silky playmaking.

Big time players making big time plays.

3. Captain Courageous

Performances like this make it so clear why Harry Wilson is the right man to captain the Wallabies.

Wilson is all effort, and his performance typified Australia's comeback.

The number eight carried strongly in the first half, but his tireless work in the second made a massive difference, the highlight being his double effort to kick and charge down to mount the pressure on Argentina.

He was backed up in kind by his good mate Fraser McReight at the breakdown with a pair of clutch turnovers

4. Slow start trend continues

The Wallabies’ struggles to start a series again hurt them as they were forced to claw back another big margin.

It’s been a trend throughout the 2025 season, trailing by at least 14 points in the last three opening Tests against new opponents.

This was no different despite a nicely worked Nic White try, as Argentina was relentless.

The fight from Australia has been a hallmark of this season, but ultimately something you can’t keep relying on.

5. Evolution of Argentina

Argentina have come on leaps and bounds in the past two years and it’s their backs that are setting the platform.

Their set-piece seemed to be second-best at times, but it held up enough for Los Pumas to strike twice off the back of midfield scrums.

Centre Santiago Chocobares led the way and is seriously firming as one of the best inside centres in the world thanks to his all-round skill. Wingers Mateo Carreras and Bautista Delguy were there to feast as they took advantage of prime running conditions.

It was almost enough for a famous win but they'll head to Sydney knowing they can knock off the Wallabies away from home.

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