In the clash of titans at Sydney Football Stadium, Argentina edged out Australia with a narrow 28-26 victory, continuing their strong performance in 2025. Here’s a breakdown of those who dazzled and those who fizzled in this gripping encounter.
Winners
Joseph Suaalii burst onto the scene with a try that set the tone for the Wallabies, showing remarkable ease and skill throughout the game. With three tries under his belt this season, Suaalii's star is on the rise. James Slipper, though his time on the field is now limited, still shows his class with every minute he plays, scrummaging with vigor and making his presence felt in contact areas. For Argentina, Julian Montoya led from the front, seizing an early opportunity to score, which psychologically steered the game in the Pumas’ favor. The half-back duo of Gonzalo Garcia and Santiago Carreras drove the team, with Carreras’s precise kicking significantly boosting the scoreline, despite a yellow card that briefly gave the Wallabies a glimmer of hope. Off the bench, Filipo Daugunu and James O’Connor injected much-needed dynamism, nearly tilting the game back in Australia’s favor.
Losers
Tane Edmed struggled to manage the game, his early errors reflecting his nervousness—an aspect Joe Schmidt will need to address urgently. "In a game of this magnitude, we can't afford to let nerves dictate our play," commented Schmidt, suggesting a potential rethinking of Edmed’s role. Max Jorgensen’s stint in the sin bin proved costly, aligning with a crucial six-point swing for Argentina. The Argentina substitutes failed to maintain the established momentum, letting the Wallabies claw back dramatically in the game’s dying stages.
“In a game of this magnitude, we can't afford to let nerves dictate our play.”
The Television Match Official (TMO) also found himself in hot water, approving a contentious try despite replays showing a clear forward pass. This decision left fans and players alike baffled, with Argentina’s coach Felipe Contepomi stating, "It's frustrating, but thankfully it didn’t cost us the game." Nevertheless, it’s a blunder that will haunt the TMO for games to come.
“It's frustrating, but thankfully it didn’t cost us the game.”
As the dust settles, both teams will look to draw lessons from this thriller. Argentina will feel vindicated by their strategy and execution for the most part, while Australia must regroup and address their tactical vulnerabilities ahead of their next test against the All Blacks.