Los Pumas Player Ratings: Argentina Edge Wallabies in Sydney Thriller
Los Pumas Player Ratings: Argentina Edge Wallabies in Sydney Thriller
Los Pumas player ratings from Argentina’s 28-26 win over the Wallabies in Sydney. Full breakdown of every player as Carreras and Mallía led the charge.
Argentina bounced back brilliantly from last week’s heartbreak in Townsville to edge the Wallabies 28-26 in Sydney, a result that leaves Felipe Contepomi’s side firmly in the Rugby Championship mix.
The victory was built on the metronomic boot of Santiago Carreras, who kicked 23 points and punished every Australian lapse in discipline.
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The Pumas struck early through Julian Montoya after pouncing on a charged-down clearance, before Carreras’ accuracy with the tee built a commanding 19-7 halftime lead. Despite seeing their fly-half yellow-carded in the 66th minute, Argentina dug deep to repel a furious Wallabies comeback in the closing stages. Their defensive commitment — 181 tackles made — and composure at the breakdown proved decisive.
Several players stood out: Juan Cruz Mallia was immense at fullback with 119 metres carried and 20 passes, Mateo Carreras tormented defenders with his elusive running, and Marcos Kremer brought his trademark defensive steel. In the pack, Joaquin Oviedo and Guido Petti worked tirelessly, while Montoya led from the front with another talismanic display.
Here’s how every Puma rated in the two-point win at Allianz Stadium.
1. Mayco Vivas – 7.5
Put in a shift at scrum time, ensuring Argentina maintained a clean 100 percent scrum record. Defensively active with 11 tackles and chipped in with a single pass. Carried for four metres but kept his work tight. Not eye-catching but dependable.
2. Julián Montoya – 8.5
Captain fantastic once again. Scored the early try, made 16 tackles and won a turnover to keep his side on top. Managed the set-piece well, though the lineout win rate dipped slightly. Two passes and 15 metres gained underline his all-round contribution.
3. Joel Sclavi – 7
Brought grit to the front row with six tackles and steady scrummaging. Carried for 16 metres, beat one defender and completed a turnover. Added two passes but kept his game largely physical.
4. Guido Petti – 6.5
Argentina’s aerial anchor. Claimed two lineouts, added three passes and made seven tackles. Gained 16 metres with the ball and helped spoil Australia’s lineout. A consistent, hard-working lock.
5. Pedro Rubiolo – 7.5
Fifteen tackles showed his defensive graft in a game where Argentina soaked up pressure. Carried for five metres and threw two passes. Not spectacular but provided industry around the ruck.
6. Juan Martín González – 8
Dynamic on the edge of the breakdown. Produced a line break, carried for 41 metres and made eight tackles. Added two lineout wins and nine passes, showing his willingness to link play. A lively presence throughout.
7. Marcos Kremer – 8.5
The defensive heartbeat of the pack. Completed 17 tackles, carried for 16 metres and threw two passes. His physicality at the breakdown slowed Australia down. Trademark tough shift.
8. Joaquín Oviedo – 8.5
A breakout performance. Top ball-carrier with 15 carries for 30 metres, beating three defenders and throwing three offloads. Added 18 tackles and three passes. Tireless in both attack and defence.
9. Gonzalo García – 8.5
The busiest passer on the field with 51, keeping Argentina’s attack ticking. Added 12 tackles, six metres carried and one offload. Controlled tempo well in a scrappy contest.
10. Santiago Carreras – 9
The match-winner. Kicked 23 points from the tee, made 10 tackles and carried for 38 metres. Contributed two offloads, one turnover and 20 passes. Sin-binned late but otherwise flawless.
11. Mateo Carreras – 8.5
Constant menace. Carried for 68 metres, beat nine defenders, made a line break and added three passes. Also produced one turnover. A nightmare for Australia’s defence.
12. Santiago Chocobares – 6.5
Worked hard in traffic with 45 metres carried and two defenders beaten. Added six passes and six tackles. Not heavily involved in attack but reliable in defence.
13. Lucio Cinti – 7
A defensive machine. Made 19 tackles with two dominant hits. Conceded two penalties but carried for 30 metres, made five passes and added an offload. Unrelenting work rate.
14. Rodrigo Isgró – 7
Showed his flair with a line break, two offloads and 46 metres carried. Beat three defenders and threw six passes, keeping play alive. Blotted his copybook with four turnovers lost but remained dangerous.
15. Juan Cruz Mallía – 9
Outstanding at fullback. Ran for 119 metres, made a line break, beat three defenders and added 20 passes. His three offloads kept Argentina attacking. Defensively sound with safe positioning. Man of the match contender.
Replacements
16. Ignacio Ruiz – 5.5
Solid in limited time with three tackles and one carry. Didn’t get a chance to influence set-piece heavily.
17. Boris Wenger – 5.5
Added six tackles and a single pass. Kept the scrum stable, but little involvement elsewhere.
18. Francisco Coria Marchetti – 5.5
Busy in defence with six tackles and one penalty conceded. Added one carry and one pass. Steady cameo.
19. Franco Molina – 7
Superb impact. Made 18 tackles, two lineout wins and a pass to keep Argentina on the front foot. His defensive effort late was vital.
20. Pablo Matera – 6.5
Nine tackles, two lineout wins and one carry for 12 metres. Looked sharp off the bench and brought leadership.
21. Agustín Moyano – 5.5
Conceded a penalty but kept control with 26 passes in a short cameo. Six tackles showed his defensive work.
22. Justo Piccardo – 5.5
Made six tackles and five metres from one carry. Functional without making a real mark.
23. Ignacio Mendy – 5
Came on late with minimal involvement. One pass, one tackle and little chance to influence proceedings.
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