Wallabies draw with Pumas in Mendoza, ending Kiss's winning start

Kiss's unbeaten run as coach of the Wallabies came to an abrupt halt when Australia were held to a 28‑28 draw by the Pumas in Mendoza on Saturday, ending a promising start that began after he succeeded Joe Schmidt.

The result matters because it handed the Wallabies a series lead without a win, their first series advantage in Argentina, but also exposed defensive frailties that could prove costly in the remaining tests. A draw keeps the trophy in the balance and means the tour will hinge on the final match in Buenos Aires.

Key moments of the match

Australia opened the scoring midway through the first half when captain Harry Wilson crossed after a lineout move. A penalty try was awarded after Franco Molina was sent to the sin bin, and wing Max Jorgensen extended the lead. The Pumas responded despite a yellow card for lock Jeremy Williams, with captain Pablo Matera scoring to keep them in the contest.

"It's difficult to come here and do what we did. But we let them off the hook a couple of times," said Kiss.

At 14‑14 the scores were level thanks to a try from Ignacio Mendy. After the break, flanker Fraser McReight restored Australia's advantage, only for hooker Ignazio Ruiz to equalise. Matera added a second try for Argentina, pushing them ahead after a marathon 23‑phase drive.

Discipline woes hit the hosts later, with backs Lucio Cinti and fly‑half Santiago Carreras each receiving yellow cards for deliberate knock‑ons, gifting Argentina a penalty try that brought the score to 28‑28. Despite holding a numerical advantage in the final ten minutes, Australia could not find a winning point.

What comes next

The series now heads to Buenos Aires for the decisive third test. Coach Kiss will need to tighten defensive structures and manage discipline if the Wallabies hope to clinch the trophy. For the Pumas, the draw restores confidence after a string of defeats and could fuel a strong finish on home soil.

Both sides will be looking to adjust tactics quickly; the Wallabies have the series lead but no margin for error, while Argentina will aim to capitalize on the momentum of a hard‑fought draw.