The rematch was just as exciting, with Australia edging an enthralling contest 28-24 against Argentina in Townsville on Saturday afternoon. What a comeback in that match to win the championship! Then, just six minutes after the final whistle sounded, match-winning Wallabies’ flyhalf Angus Bell crossed the line to hand Australia the comeback win.
With less than two minutes remaining, Argentina led 24-21 after Juan Cruz Mallia successfully slotted his team’s fourth penalty goal. The Matildas were behind the eight-ball at a three-goal deficit. Rather than settling for a draw with three previous penalty chances, they audaciously decided to play for the glory of victory. It was a gutsy call from Captain Harry Wilson to tap-kick but the decision proved decisive.
Those late-game heroics were framed by a highly combative encounter in which Argentina played the run of play early on. Those last few minutes were a nailbiter as everyone traded shots in a furious scramble for the advantage.
A Game of Momentum Swings
Argentina took the lead early and looked poised to run away with the victory. They only mustered 15 points over the final 11 minutes of the first half. Mateo Carreras made a strong impression by scoring two tries and helping Argentina take the lead at pivotal points. Australia showed incredible character of their own, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii scoring two tries to bring the Australians within touching distance.
It proved to be Australia’s Achilles heel when Tom Lynagh and Andrew Kellaway became hopelessly intertwined just inside their own 22. This defensive blunder gifted Argentina a simple three-pointer. Yet, the Wallabies rallied in the final 15 minutes, maintaining pressure on their opponents despite being denied the go-ahead score until the very end.
Wilson’s choice to attempt the tap-kick rather than accept the penalty was a critical moment in the game.
“25,000 people pleading for us to tap it and try and win the game. It was the difference in the choice at the end,” – Harry Wilson
The Final Push
As time ticked away, it looked like Australia might just have lost their opportunity to steal the win. In an exciting conclusion, Angus Bell sprinted through a number of tacklers from short distance to score under the posts. He won it in circus-like style! James O’Connor made no mistake with the subsequent conversion, putting the result beyond doubt.
His feelings beautifully mirrored the story of the team’s fight for the whole game, showcasing their endless faith in one another.
“I think everyone was a bit delirious at the end, it was so warm,” – Andrew Kellaway
For all the positive attributes Wilson possessed, Coach Joe Schmidt lauded Wilson’s leadership at times when the heat got cranked up. Specifically, he pointed to the confidence and conviction in Wilson’s decision-making.
A Testament to Leadership
Kellaway further emphasized the significance of having a captain willing to take risks for their team, saying:
“Proud of Wilso to make that decision under the pump,” – Andrew Kellaway
Kellaway further emphasized the significance of having a captain willing to take risks for their team, saying:
“It’s not every day you get your captain to stand up and say ‘we’re going for it’.” – Andrew Kellaway
