The Wallabies took a gritty 16-10 win over Argentina in their second Rugby Championship match on Saturday night.
How did the Aussies rate in the clash?
1. Scott Sio - 8
Sio was strong in his return from injury as the Wallabies scrum more than competed with the powerful Argentinian pack. The Brumbies loosehead had five carries for 18 metres, making some impact in attack as well.
2. Folau Fainga’a - 7
Fainga’a was consistent for the Wallabies in Brisbane, looking more and more each week like cementing the starting Test spot. Had one lineout that didn’t quite go the way he’d planned with a throw over the back missing his players, but that was cleaned up quickly.
3. Sekope Kepu - 6
Kepu was solid in just a half of rugby in Brisbane. Was part of a fighting Australian scrum that won an important penalty in the 22nd minute and help up the Pumas attack with a strong tackle on Facundo Isa. Was replaced at half-time by Taniela Tupou.
4. Izack Rodda - 7
Rodda was super for the Wallabies in Brisbane. Argentina coach Mario Ledesma pointed to the lineout as a particular problem for the Pumas in the first half and the combination of Rodda and Arnold. The second rower made a break in the 13th minute and though he couldn’t finish that off, it’s an exciting sight to see.
5. Rory Arnold - 7
Similarly to Rodda, played a huge role in the match with his physicality and strength in set piece. Made nine tackles and was a consistently physical presence.
6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - 7
Salakaia-Loto is settling into his role as a Test blindside flanker and he was impressive in the back row structure. Wasn't flashy but was a big of the Wallabies' defensive resistance against the Pumas.
7. Michael Hooper - 7
Hooper was typically relentless against the Pumas, finishing with 16 tackles. Also won a pilfer deep in the Argentinian attack in the 23rd minute and set the tone for the team.
8. Isi Naisarani - 8
Naisarani has an incredible ability to gain metres with every carry and that was pivotal for the Wallabies in a scrappy game. The no. 8's performances in the past two weeks will give selectors some serious food for thought when David Pocock becomes available in coming weeks.
9. Will Genia - 8
There’s no doubting Will Genia was the hometown hero on Saturday night but the veteran was also Australia’s best on ground in Brisbane. He used his boot when required but picked the time to run as well. Combination with Christian Lealiifano worked well too. Couldn’t have asked for much of a better night.
10. Christian Lealiifano - 8
Lealiifano quickly vindicated the selectors’ decision to bring him back into the Wallabies fold after a three-year absence. Controlled the attack well and his delivery helped set up the only try of the first half. Kicking was spot-on as well, giving skipper Michael Hooper the easy decision of pointing to the sticks when the opportunity came up. Was replaced by To’omua in the 51st minute but showed enough to further his World Cup claims.
11. Marika Koroibete - 7
Koroibete added plenty in his return to the Test side, showing the value of a specialist winger. Played a critical role in the first try, wrapping around in attack to collect a Christian Lealiifano try and throwing a cutout pass to Kurtley Beale on the way to Hodge’s score. Was effective in defence too.
12. Samu Kerevi - 6
Kerevi had a hot and cold night at Suncorp Stadium. Was a standout in the opening half for the Wallabies and, according to FOX SPORTS, had 49 run metres in the first 16 minutes. Had little impact in the second 40, though, before shifting out to outside centre when James O'Connor came on.
13. Tevita Kuridrani - 5
Kuridrani was able to have more of an impact this week after battling to get into the game in South Africa but still has more work to do. Was very handy in defence with nine tackles and played a strong support role in attack as well.
14. Reece Hodge - 6
Finished off a strong backline play to score the Wallabies’ first try. Received the ball in an awkward position but stepped inwards and crashed over. In a game that was dominated by defence, didn’t have a huge number of opportunities.
15. Kurtley Beale - 6
Beale looks better at fullback than he does at any position and showed a strong balance of creativity and restraint from the get go against the Pumas. Beale’s kicking game was on point in Brisbane and his boot helped keep the pressure on the Argies in the second half, with one particular down field kick perfectly executed. Had the last pass on the Wallabies’ first try as well.
Reserves
16. Tolu Latu - N/A
Didn’t really have enough opportunity to really earn a rating but showed some positive signs in the time he played.
17. James Slipper - 7
Made an immediate impact when he came on, helping to win a pivotal scrum penalty in his first handful of minutes on the field. Slipper has become a sensational tag team partner of Scott Sio and their battle will be an exciting one to watch as the season goes on.
18. Taniela Tupou - 7
Replaced Kepu at the break. Much like Slipper, made an impact not long after coming on in the scrum. It’s not easy to get on top of an Argentinian scrum but he and Slipper proved to be the catalysts for that.
19. Rob Simmons - N/A
Simmons played the final quarter of the game and was solid but probably didn’t have quite enough time to be judged on his outing.
20. Luke Jones - N/A
Played the final 15 minutes and similarly to many of his bench mates didn’t have enough opportunity to make any kind of judgement.
21. Nic White - 7
White picked up where Genia left off and kept the attack humming in the second ha;f.
22. Matt To’omua - 5
Replaced Lealiifano at flyhalf in the 51st minute and had a somewhat patchy performance. Missed a penalty late in the piece that
23. James O’Connor - N/A
Didn’t really have any time to make a huge impact. Didn’t make any mistakes but didn’t stand out either.
