Five takeaways from Argentina v Australia

Following a 45-34 victory for Australia over Argentina in their Rugby Championship game, here’s our five takeaways from the Salta fixture.

Bernard Foley proves his worth: Recalled at fly-half after the loss to South Africa, Foley was outstanding in possession in Salta. Granted he missed a tackle that led to a Pumas try but everything else he touched turned to gold as he had a hand in all that was great about the Wallabies in the second-half. Slick distribution, cross kicks and a final tally of 15 points off the tee made for a good day at the office.

Hairdryer treatment worked: 31-7 down at the break the Wallabies needed a rocket and that was what they got from head coach Michael Cheika. Television footage showed the under pressure boss laying down the law to his troops and boy did they launch a response when they returned. The Australians scored five tries between minute 40 and 66 to haul themselves into the lead, which they held on to until the final whistle.

Argentina missed Nicolas Sanchez: While Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias performed admirably with a wonderful try soon after his introduction for the injured Sanchez, it was clear in the second period that the Pumas desperately missed his direction and leadership in the 10 jersey. The Pumas stalwart has been in superb form this Rugby Championship and his absence proved just how crucial he is to Argentina’s World Cup hopes.

Focus turns to Japan Bledisloe: Nissan Stadium in Yokohama will host Australia’s next match, against New Zealand on October 27. Cheika will view that clash as a massive opportunity to build on this Pumas result, but if they start that game like they did this the pressure will be back on ahead of their November Tests. The Wallabies have earned several days off to recuperate and then it’s back to work ahead of Japan.

So close for Argentina: It would have been a landmark moment for the Pumas had they held on to win in Salta and thus make their best Rugby Championship campaign to date even better. Third place with a record of three wins from six matches would have given them a huge amount of confidence but they must settle for a decent tournament and the wooden spoon. While they’ll be livid with this loss, progress has been made.