Wallabies player ratings: How the men in gold performed in Argentina

In his first Test in 630 days, the mobile NSW prop looked to use his feet at the line with early carries. But was one of many to find it hard going against the Pumas’ defence and otherwise had limited involvements in his 40 minutes. Set-piece work was solid.

BPA is a good example of how front-rowers age like a good red wine. A Malbec, perhaps. At the age of 30 and with a stint in France under his belt, the former garbo is now in the form of his life on all fronts: lineout throwing, scrummaging, defence, ball carrying and he’s also a consistent try sneak. Effort to be in the left corner to score in Jujuy deserves a toast.

There is a good argument that an eyes-up back such as Ryan Lonergan should be looked as Wallabies captain when Harry Wilson doesn’t play. But then you see Alaalatoa lead like he did against the Pumas, and you understand why he gets the armband. Has a rare combination of calm and menace, and hits like a train.

Quick reminder this guy was only playing in his seventh Test in Jujuy. It’s easy to overlook, given how much impact Canham brings as an athletic carrier, lineout operator and as one of the most effective ball handlers, as well. Always seems to have an offload ready.

Returned to the starting line-up and turned in another high-quality 80-minute performance. At 113kg, Williams is on the lighter end of the scale for tighthead locks in Test rugby, but the Wallabies’ scrum doesn’t seem to suffer. His mobility and skill pay dividends in open play: see try assist for BPA.

Was always a workhorse but Hooper has become more of an athlete since joining Exeter, and that was shown with an 80-minute effort featuring 14 runs, 11 tackles, two key turnovers and the try that ultimately secured the game. Coming off a long break with a shoulder injury, it was very impressive and combined with the other two below, it makes picking a back row difficult for Les Kiss next week.

McReight has already had a superb year and the headgeared flanker now routinely gets ranked in the world’s top five back-rowers. And fair enough. Yet another all-singing, all-dancing display: one try, 11 carries, team-high 14 tackles and a late steal that denied Argentina a potential win.

Are we totally sure big Bobby V isn’t part-machine? Back in the starting side after a rest in Townsville, and Valetini turned yet another powerhouse performance: team-high 17 carries and equal team-high tackles (14) with McReight, and a goal line turnover (we’ll forget the kick). Back at his favoured No.8 spot and such a luxury to have a guy who’ll quietly roll his sleeves up every single time he plays.

Solid effort in the first half, albeit with some missed tackles and a rare shank off the kicking tee. Left the field early in the second half after a head knock when making a try-saving cover tackle, but it was also due to a flu.

Nice to see Gordon getting through games and threatening the line with his under-rated running game and his sharp passing. Scored a good try with a hard line. Gordon’s kicking game is a strength, but we haven’t seen it in full flight yet.