Wallabies player ratings: How the men in gold fared against Argentina

After eight Rugby Championship losses in a row, the Wallabies finally snapped their losing streak in the tournament with a hard-earned one-point victory against Argentina in La Plata

The 20-19 win was played in swirling wind and driving rain, which affected the Wallabies’ ability to hold on to the ball at crucial moments, particularly at restarts.

But when it counted, the Wallabies did retain possession – for nine phases in the closing minutes to win a penalty and secure a vital win ahead of next week’s reunion with the Pumas in Santa Fe.

Here’s how Australia’s players fared.

1. Angus Bell – 8
It is easy to forget Bell is not long from the surgeon’s operating table after having his foot completely reshaped after injuring his toe playing for the Waratahs in April. Bell is critical to the Wallabies’ successes: not only in the scrum but around the park. A game-high five dominant tackles, typified by his huge hit on Tomas Lavanini that rattled the huge breakaway.

2. Matt Faessler – 7
The Reds hooker did magnificently to keep the Wallabies’ lineout at 100 per cent in such slippery conditions and brought a steady hand to the setpiece.

Len Ikitau evades a tackle from Tomas LavaniniCredit: Getty Images

3. Taniela Tupou – 6.5
Normally strictly a 40-minute man, Tupou did seven minutes of overtime in La Plata and underlined his importance by winning a penalty with his first scrum.

4. Nick Frost – 6
When Frost is in the team, the Wallabies look infinitely more secure in the lineout. However, he will be disappointed with his four turnovers conceded in the game.

5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – 7
It was a difficult start for the giant second-rower, who dropped the ball with his first touch, but Salakaia-Loto combined extremely well with Frost in the lineout – not only on the Wallabies’ own ball, but also with his ability to pressurise the opposition throw with his size and athleticism.

Australia’s players celebrate victory in La PlataCredit: AP

6. Rob Valetini – 7
So often the focal point of the Wallabies pack, Valetini didn’t disappoint with a well-taken try and six crucial carries against the stubborn Pumas defence.

7. Carlo Tizzano – 9
Tizzano is rapidly growing into international rugby and produced an exceptional performance in La Plata. Won two crucial turnovers at the breakdown and led his side with 22 tackles. Tireless, relentless – this was his best performance for the Wallabies yet.

8. Harry Wilson – 6.5

The new captain is one from one in Tests and made a try-saving tackle on 65 minutes. Will be disappointed in his decision to go down the short side from an attacking scrum five metres out early in the first half, which wasted a perfect attacking platform.

9. Jake Gordon – 7.5
The Waratahs captain is the archetypal Joe Schmidt halfback. Works closely to the game plan and executes it soundly. His box kicking was a welcome addition in Argentina, and he was rewarded with a try.

10. Noah Lolesio – 6
A mixed bag from Lolesio, who is currently entrusted with the Wallabies’ No.10 jersey. Threw some wild passes, including one at Frost’s feet, but also showed brilliant poise to break through the Argentina defence to almost set up Max Jorgensen. He is growing into this role and will be given more time to build up his partnership with Gordon.

11. Marika Koroibete – 6
Conceded two penalties and at times his tackling technique gave the Wallabies’ coaching staff some nervous moments. His effort could not faulted, carrying the ball for 35 metres, and always created a headache for the Pumas’ defence.

12. Hamish Stewart – 6.5
Confessed to feeling nervous before his Test debut, but didn’t show them on the field, in a solid showing that gave his teammates confidence. The top tackler in the backs with 11.

13. Len Ikitau – 8
A much-improved performance from Ikitau, who was at the heart of both Wallabies’ tries, providing a constant attacking threat for the Pumas. Beat five defenders, the most from the Wallabies.

14. Andrew Kellaway – 5
A surprisingly quiet performance for the Waratahs winger, who had a one carry all night. Made three tackles, but missed two.

15. Tom Wright – 6.5
Given the rain, Wright did well as the last man in defence and showed a brilliant sleight of hand to offload for Gordon’s try. Will welcome the hot and dry conditions next week of Santa Fe and the change to moulded studs that should allow him more freedom to do what he is best at and counterattack.

16. Josh Nasser – 6
Much improved at the lineout after his last outing in Perth against the Springboks, and will be pleased with his work at the set piece for his 16 minutes, given the difficult conditions.

17: Isaac Kailea – 5
Only on the field for 18 minutes before receiving a knock and having to be replaced by Bell.

18. Allan Alaalatoa – 6.5
Added some vital leadership for the Wallabies and on 57 minutes helped to win a penalty after cleverly informing the referee that Argentina were consistently closing the gap in the lineout.

19. Jeremy Williams – 6

Came on at 48 minutes and played his role in keeping the Wallabies lineout functioning at 100 per cent.

20. Langi Gleeson – N/A
Only on the field for seven minutes.

21. Tate McDermott – 6
Provides increased energy at the breakdown off the bench, and played his part in the last nine phases as the Wallabies chased down the win.

22. Ben Donaldson – N/A

Donaldson only had five minutes on the field, but nailed his penalty goal straight in front of the posts to secure the victory for his side.

23. Max Jorgensen – 5
Will be disappointed in not being able to hold onto the ball from Noah Lolesio late in the second half with the Argentina defence completely broken.

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