A strong second half helped the Wallabies to a 37-20 win over Argentina.
Who were the standouts and who went missing in Mendoza?
1. Scott Sio - 5
Far below what he produced in Bloemfontein. Two early fumbles hurt the Wallabies in attack and Australia’s scrum was beaten by Argentina, who lifted in the set piece area.
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau - 7
Continues to cement his spot as Australia’s number one hooker. Another solid performance from the Wallabies rake.
3. Sekope Kepu - 6
Similar to Sio, wasn’t as effective in Mendoza as he has been. Scrum well-beaten, particularly early on in the piece.
4. Izack Rodda - 7
Rodda showed his ability to carry the ball in Mendoza, and continues to blend in at Test level. Made six tackles and won a turnover as well. A huge future for this kid.
5. Adam Coleman - 5
Coleman’s quietest game for a long time. Didn’t do anything terrible but wasn’t the aggressor he has been for so many of his Tests.
6. Jack Dempsey - 8
He said during the week he wanted to have more touches and Dempsey did exactly that in Mendoza. Was one of the Wallabies’ most involved early. Finished with 16 carries and 76 metres, according to Opta Sports, the third-highest of any player.
7. Michael Hooper - 7
Hooper was pretty quiet by his standards in Mendoza, especially compared to his fellow backrowers.
8. Sean McMahon - 7
An absolute warrior. Played with what looked like a very sore knee for much of the match, but still threw himself into the contest completely. We say it each week, but this bloke will be missed in 2018.
9. Will Genia - 8
Genia sets high standards for himself and his teammates and he lived up to those on Sunday morning. The scrumhalf was crisp and speedy with his service and also influential in attack. A super line gave him a try as reward for his effort.
10. Bernard Foley - 7
Kicking radar well off after having kicked 19 straight until midway through the first half. A try in the second half was a slice of redemption but not as strong as he has been in recent weeks.
11. Reece Hodge - 9
Hodge continues to play well beyond his years. Scored a double and played a hand in almost all of the Wallabies’ tries in Mendoza. The 23-year-old has been close to the best in each of the Wallabies matches this Rugby Championship and has certainly eschewed the notion of second-year blues.
12. Kurtley Beale - 6
Beale simply couldn’t find the form he has enjoyed in a stellar Australian return so far. The inside centre’s execution was off, with some mistimed decision and a costly forward pass. Just an off day for the 28-year-old.
13. Tevita Kuridrani - 4
Far from his best performance. Didn’t really make an impact in attack and was inaccurate in defence, finishing with two tackles and four missed tackles.
14. Marika Koroibete - 8
Strength and speed. Marika Koroibete has both in spades and just 20 minutes in had his third Test try. An absolute superstar with the potential to be a world-beating specialist winger, something Australia has lacked in recent years. Defence still a learning curve but he threw himself at everything and continues to show his value.
15. Israel Folau - 6
Didn’t really do anything terrible but didn’t have the finishing opportunities he has had in recent weeks. Still made 103 metres and had a positive influence on the clash. A fine performance, but just fine.
Reserves
16. Stephen Moore - N/A
Moore played 16 minutes in his last Test in Argentina - not enough to pass a mark on.
17. Tetera Faulkner - N/A
Faulkner had just the 15 minutes. A loose carry from the prop handed Argentina an easy turnover, but was solid outside of that.
18. Allan Alaalatoa - 7
Alaalatoa was consistent in the scrum, helping even things up for the Wallabies after a poor start.
19. Rob Simmons - 5
Simmons was efficient but not outstanding in his 25-minute stint in Argentina.
20. Lukhan Tui - N/A
Tui played a decent 15 minutes for the Wallabies, but not really enough time to judge his impact.
21. Nick Phipps - N/A
Only played seven minutes in Mendoza.
22. Samu Kerevi - N/A
Played 13 minutes and had a hand in Hodge’s second try, but not really enough time to make a judgement.
23. Henry Speight - N/A
Just the seven minutes for Speight, after special nights for Hodge and Koroibete.
