Wallabies’ imperfections on show in win over Argentina, but could be masked by captain call

Rob Valetini filled in for captain Harry Wilson at No 8 but Fraser McReight’s performance will give Australia coach Les Kiss just as much food for thought

Rob Valetini bulldozed, barged through and brought the hammer down on home hopes in San Salvador de Jujuy during the Wallabies’ 27-21 win over Argentina , Australia’s fourth victory on the trot.

It was a rare start for Valetini, filling in for captain Harry Wilson in the gold No 8. The man they call Bobby V turns 28 this week and looks to be building towards his peak just in time for next year’s home World Cup . The person Valetini may have damaged more than anyone with his brutal performance, however, was the rested captain.

This Wallabies era is defined by imperfections, and it was again obvious in the weekend’s performance. “We weren’t perfect, neither were they,” coach Les Kiss told Stan Sport after the match. Winger Max Jorgensen echoed the sentiment: “It wasn’t near perfect, we’ve still got a lot of work to do, but to come away with a win in Argentina is very good.”

Perfection, of course, is unattainable. Four wins in a row – even if only this one was against an elite opponent – is reason enough for celebration for longsuffering Australian rugby fans, especially given how hard it is get a result in Argentina. But within today’s Wallabies makeup there is still a clunkiness, a series of gnawing to-dos .

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii looked promising in his 15 minutes, including one gallop and offload down the right, even if it came at outside centre – much to the frustration of those wanting to see him at wing. And where might Angus Crichton, the other high-profile rugby league recruit due to come back to union next year, slot in? Hunter Paisami, who was one of the best in the Wallabies’ second half here, and Len Ikitau prove Australia’s depth at No 12.

There was the questionable kicking of finishing scrumhalf Tate McDermott, who had one charged down and another that failed to find touch, as well as service that could be improved. Flyhalf Carter Gordon had moments of promise , and was brave in returning to the field after a jarring facial injury, but had errors off the boot including sending one late kick dead in goal when the Wallabies needed a surer hand.

Kiss has rotated the pack heavily , and was rewarded with four lineout steals and a brilliant first try engineered by an unlikely combination down the wide blind side. Fraser McReight found Jeremy Williams, who gave it to Josh Canham, who got it back to Williams in a wrap-around, culminating in a Brandon Paenga-Amosa aerial put down. It was Australia’s best backline move of the day, and not a single back was involved.

The head coach knows, however, miracle tries don’t win the ruck and maul, and his focus remains on building depth and refining execution. He flagged there would be more changes for the second Test in Mendoza this week.