The Wallabies had to dig deep to overcome a surging Argentina, but a quick start out of the blocks and a late try saw Les Kiss continue to start promisingly with a 27-21 win in Jujuy.
The match saw a seesawing clash, with both sides both taking and missing several chances for more points, the hot conditions at altitude proving fatiguing.
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Despite the scoreline, the Pumas had the Wallabies under significant pressure in the 20 minutes either side of halftime, with tries to Gerónimo Priscinatelli and Joaquín Moro and Boris Wegner.
However, the visitors shot out of the blocks with tries to Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Fraser McReight and Carter Gordon, with a fourth try Tom Hooper scoring in the 55th minute proving enough to get them over the line.
So, what did we learn?
Seen as the real test of where the Wallabies sit after winning their two Test series against Japan, the Wallabies delivered in difficult conditions in Jujuy.
The Los Pumas came into the match having never lost in the northern Argentine city, their previous Test matches at Estadio 23 de Agosto being over Georgia and Scotland.
However, the Wallabies delivered in attack, shooting out of the blocks with three tries inside the first 20 minutes, and despite the hosts’ efforts, the visitors never relinquished the lead once they had it.
While Kiss conceded in the post-match that a lot of work was needed to fix key issues, he also admitted that the leadership group led by Alan Alaalatoa and Fraser McReight was particularly positive, with the side never losing composure even when momentum shifted against them.
Critically, the side also held onto the ball, finishing with 62 per cent of possession.
The result sees the Kiss era not only start with a perfect three wins, but the Wallabies have now four straight matches for the first time since 2021, with the chance to claim some silverware in the Puma Trophy next week when they play in Mendoza.
Against a nation world-renowned for its quality set piece, the Wallabies' decision to completely change the entire starting forward pack paid off.
The Pumas themselves did take the field with their least experienced pack since 2000, but recent form had proven otherwise- the same pack having pushed South Africa all the way just three weeks ago.
But on the park, the visitors proved up to the task, stealing four Argentine lineouts and winning three scrum penalties, with even the likes of recent debutant Massimo De Lutiis holding his own against the likes of Tomas Rapetti.
The forwards also dominated the scoresheet, with a long-range effort from Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams finished off by Brendon Paenga-Amosa, while the visitors continued to show promise close to the line through McReight and Hooper’s efforts.
With a fresh pack ready to go for Mendoza next week, it proved an afternoon that showed the growing depth of the Australian pack - and that consistency can be maintained.
Despite the hosts going down in Jujuy, their efforts once they got a foothold in the second quarter of the match present them with several opportunities next week in Mendoza.
After conceding two early tries though, the Pumas found a way into the game through Gerónimo Priscinatelli, and his score saw the hosts notice two places where they could attack the Wallabies: through the aerial kicking game behind the line, and close to the ruck.
Frustrated by being unable to capitalise, and with Harry Potter sent to the bin, Joaquín Moro’s try just before halftime showed that persistence with this method could pay off.
The visitors then threatened early in the second half on transition, cutting the deficit to just one point with a try to Boris Wenger.
Their defence and physical game was also very solid, matching the Wallabies up front and putting their pack to work - and should the side maintain their composure next week, the pieces are there for them to reply.
It was a difficult, dogged clash in Jujuy, and while the Wallabies will know they will have to significantly improve their game in the air and around the ruck, the defence overall took positive steps forward.
When the Pumas did get the ball, their attack was very dangerous, making ten entries into the Wallabies' 22, and in several periods across the match put sustained pressure on the defensive line.
But the visitors' defence proved enough, managing an impressive ten turnovers and stifling the Pumas' attack.
This was especially the case in two periods either side of the break, the Wallabies not conceding any points when down a man following Harry Potter being sent to the bin, as well as holding for nearly 12 minutes at the start of the second half before Wegner crashed over.
It proved enough of a platform for the attack to deliver, and while a lot of work is still needed, to deliver a defensive performance like that in one of the hardest places to win in world rugby shows promising signs.
All eyes will now be on Mendoza for the second match of the tour, and how both sides will react following this first blow dealt by the visitors.
The Wallabies have the chance to claim the Puma Trophy for the first time since 2022, marking a significant first piece of silverware for Kiss and his team should they come through.
The Pumas have a strong record historically in Mendoza, but the last few years' results have proven hard to come by, the hosts having not tasted victory there since defeating South Africa in 2018.
The Wallabies also have won their last two fixtures at the venue, a 37-20 under Michael Cheika in 2017, while Dave Rennie’s side won 41-26 in 2022.
However, given how close the series between these two sides has been over the last few years, Felipe Contepomi’s men are likely to come back swinging hard, especially now they have sustained a loss on home soil first.
