In a gritty showdown at Allianz Stadium, Argentina edged out the Wallabies 28-26 in a Rugby Championship thriller. Here’s how the individual players stacked up in this intense battle.
Juan Cruz Mallia, wearing the number 15 jersey, proved pivotal, his deft touches and strategic kicking significantly influencing the game's dynamics, earning him a solid 7. Rodrigo Isgro returned to the lineup with a bang, his aerial prowess and breakaway runs pressuring the Wallabies, also scoring a 7. Lucio Cinti, although quieter with the ball, was a defensive rock in midfield, contributing to a balanced attack and defense, rated 7.
Santiago Chocobares displayed a commendable physical presence. Despite a fierce collision with Taniela Tupou which temporarily sidelined him, he bounced back to deliver a top-tier performance, earning a 7. Mateo Carreras, number 11, dazzled with his agility and strength in confined spaces, stepping up his game to an 8. Santiago Carreras, playing at 10, had a mixed outing with brilliant runs and setups but his yellow card marked a lapse in judgment, settling for a 7.
Gonzalo Garcia, at scrum-half, was instrumental with his strategic box-kicking and quick service, meriting an 8. Joaquín Oviedo started strong but faded later in the game, scoring a 6. The flanker, Marcos Kremer, was a defensive juggernaut, his disciplined yet ferocious play crucial in outmatching the Wallabies, earning a high 9.
Young Pedro Rubiolo continued to impress in the lock position, his development on international turf evident, scoring a 7. Guido Petti put in a solid shift for 50 minutes, though not at his peak, earning a 6. Front rowers Joel Sclavi and Mayco Vivas each played their part in a dominant scrum, both scoring 6.
"An absolutely mammoth performance from the captain yet again,"
praised Julian Montoya, who not only charged down an opponent to score a try but was also a force at the breakdown, easily a 9. The bench, however, didn't quite hit the mark, struggling particularly after Pablo Matera came on, despite his individual efforts.This victory breathes new life into Argentina’s campaign, keeping their hopes alive and the Rugby Championship tantalizingly wide open. The team's collective performance, especially from the likes of Montoya and Kremer, underscores a resilient and tactically astute squad capable of taking on and overcoming formidable opponents.