Ben Donaldson penalty goal seals 20-19 win for Wallabies against Argentina in pivotal moment for coach Joe Schmidt

Down 16-7 with little over half an hour remaining, Australia were staring down a third straight loss. But they rallied to alleviate the pressure in what could be a turning point for coach Joe Schmidt.

Wallabies players celebrate their win over Argentina. Picture: AFP

The Wallabies clinched a last-ditch victory over Argentina for their first Rugby Championship win, in what will be a pivotal moment of coach Joe Schmidt’s tenure.

For most of the game, Australia did their best to blow their chances, only for a last-minute Ben Donaldson penalty goal to secure a 20-19 win in La Plata.

Down 16-7 with little over half an hour remaining, Australia were staring down a third straight TRC loss after the successive home defeats to South Africa.

But they rallied, led by excellent individual performances from Carlo Tizzano – who won three breakdown turnovers – Len Ikitau, Angus Bell and Rob Valetini.

Ben Donaldson celebrates after his last-minute field goal. Picture: Getty Images

Plagued by blunders from kick-offs and in general play, the Wallabies were set for another frustrating loss until a series of wild plays in the final moments got them home.

A Noah Lolesio break was scuppered when replacement winger Max Jorgensen lost the ball with a try beckoning.

But the Wallabies secured the lineout from the clearing kick, then mounted a stoic raid.

After nine phases, Bell lost the ball in contact but replacement Argentinian prop Mayco Vivas was penalised by referee James Doleman for coming through the ruck illegally, setting up a comfortable kick for Donaldson for the game-clincher.

Ben Donaldson’s last-minute field goal sealed a much-needed victory for the Wallabies. Picture: Getty Images

Given that Australia are still far from the finished product under Schmidt, and continue to struggle in fundamental areas the game, being able to pull out a victory in these circumstances can be a defining moment in their journey towards the 2025 British & Irish Lions series.

The Wallabies will take renewed confidence into their return bout with the Pumas next weekend, while greatly aware that improvement is required across the board.

Another loss would have deflated the camp and left Schmidt with more selection headaches, but this result now alleviates much of that pressure.

Tomas Albornoz had kicked a 70th minute penalty to give the Pumas a 19-17 lead in a pulsating second half contest.

A 59th minute Lolesio penalty goal gave Australia the lead for the first time in the match, 17-16.

Argentina led 13-7 at half-time in the driving rain.

Victory eases the pressure on Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt. Picture: AFP

The Wallabies began the match with 27 phases in attack in Pumas territory, but couldn’t get a point.

They often went backwards in that series as Argentinian defenders pounced on second-phase attackers to seize momentum.

Having repelled the early onslaught, Argentina were soon down the other end applying pressure, and Santiago Carreras kicked a penalty goal in the 11th minute to open the scoring.

Just three minutes later Argentina scored a rolling maul try – the fifth rolling maul try conceded by Australia in The Rugby Championship. No.8 Juan Martin Gonzalez powered over.

Jake Gordon finally crossed for Australia following smart interplay between Ikitau and Tom Wright in the Pumas 22.

Gordon ran up on an inside support line, latching onto an offload by Wright to score next to the posts.

Wallabies players celebrate after defeating Argentina at Estadio UNO Jorge Luis Hirsch in La Plata, Buenos Aires. Picture: AFP

In the second half, new Wallabies captain Harry Wilson went shortside from a scrum five metres out, only to be bundled into touch.

A scrum penalty conceded by Bell saw Carreras put the hosts nine points ahead in the 45th minute.

At 16-7, Australia had to score next and Valetini obliged, crashing through close to the line after Ikitau had sparked a break for Marika Koroibete.

Lolesio’s conversion had Australia down 16-14 with 30 minutes remaining.

This was a display of resilience and grit.

If Schmidt can fix the Wallabies technical deficiencies, we may well look back on this game as the turning point.

Originally published as Ben Donaldson penalty goal seals 20-19 win for Wallabies against Argentina in pivotal moment for coach Joe Schmidt