Tri Nations: Australia player ratings vs Argentina
The Tri Nations has been blown wide open after the Wallabies were held to a 15-all draw against Argentina in Newcastle. All three nations in the competition sit on six competition points, with both the hosts and New Zealand to play once more, while the Pumas have two matches to play.
Australia looked on top from the get-go, and simply dominated the opening forty. The hosts had 63% of possession in the first-half, and 75% of the territory, but only led by three-points at the break.
Reece Hodge and his opposite Nicolas Sanchez continued their kicking dual into the second-half, with the Wallabies running out to a 15-6 lead with just under 25-minutes to play. But Sanchez’s reliable boot brought the Pumas back to level terms with 10-minutes to play, as he looked to replicate last week’s heroics.
But it wasn’t to be. Both Hodge and Sanchez missed a penalty each.
Overall the Wallabies were far from their best, even though there was some players who played arguably their best match in a gold jumper. Here’s how the Wallabies rated.
1. Scott Sio – 5.5/10
Sio had a few strong carries against the Pumas, and also did his job in defence. He did give away two penalties for collapsing at the scrum just before he was subbed off though.
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa – 6.5/10
Paenga-Amosa was largely accurate at the set-piece, throwing at close to 75% from his 17 throws into the lineout. Other than that though, he struggled to make an impact on the match with just three carries and three tackles. He did make one decent break down the right edge though early in the first-half.
3. Taniela Tupou – 6.5/10
The Tongan Thor’s first real involvement in the match was a neat one-handed offload seven minutes in, but other than that, the 24-year-old wasn’t close to his best. He was penalised twice, gave away a free kick, and made a few errors around the park which no doubt contributed to his substitution at half-time.
4. Rob Simmons – 6.5/10
Simmons didn’t have any highlight plays against Argentina, but did his job nonetheless. The second rower was a reliable option at the lineout and got involved in attack.
5. Matt Philip – 8/10
Philip was one of the best performers in Super Rugby AU this year, and we saw exactly why that was in Newcastle. Fox Sports Australia commentator Greg Clarke described the 26-year-old as a “workhorse” early on in the test, and that’s exactly why he stood out against the Pumas. Philip had the most carries of any player on the park with 14 – but that doesn’t do his work rate justice. He constantly jumps up off his feet and looks to get involved; carrying the ball twice in three phases more than once on Saturday. Philip was also the primary option for the Wallabies at the lineout.
6. Ned Hanigan – 6.5/10
Hanigan worked hard for his side in some of the darkest places in the rugby field. He worked hard for every metre he ran, but he’s certainly had better performances in a Wallabies jersey.
7. Michael Hooper – 6/10
The captains first major involvement in the match was a knock-on around the 11-minute mark, which pretty well summed up his performance. He was unusually quiet during the first-half, and while it was an improved second half, it was far from Hooper’s best performance in gold. Six tackles and four carries – it’d be pretty hard to justify a higher rating than a six.
8. Harry Wilson – 7.5/10
It’s hard to believe that this guy is only 20 (turning 21 tomorrow), his performances are well beyond his years. He made a few big tackles early on, and was effective in attack. Wilson ran for 10 metres and had five passes, proving a solid link between the forwards and backs at times.
The All Blacks have held their place at the top of the Tri Nations table after the Wallabies and Los Pumas played out a dire 15-all draw in Newcastle. #ARGvAUS #TriNations https://t.co/oDTXddSG6l
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 21, 2020
9. Nic White – 7/10
White was once again impressive for the Wallabies, providing fast and reliable ball for his side in attack. His kicking display was pivotal at times as well, constantly kicking his side into better attacking positions.
10. Reece Hodge – 7.5/10
It was a mixed performance from Hodge, whose performance will largely be overshadowed by a missed kick at the death that would’ve potentially have given his side the win. The 26-year-old ran for the most metres of any player on the day with 74 metres from 11 carries, and another 13 passes. Scored all of the Wallabies points to, in what turned out to be a kicking competition against Pumas flyhalf Nicolas Sanchez. Despite kicking five from five at the time, a missed penalty with three minutes to go turned out to be the difference between a win and a draw.
11. Marika Koroibete – 4/10
The 2019 John Eales Medallist has had a mixed 2020 test season, that’s largely been exceptional. But tonight Koroibete went missing in what was an error-riddled performance. He so nearly added to his already impressive try scoring tally just before half-time though, had a Tom Banks pass not have gone forward. Still, it was a night to forgot for the winger.
12. Hunter Paisami – 8/10
Throughout the opening forty minutes, few would argue in saying that Paisami was the best player on the park. Throughout his career to date we’ve seen plenty of hard running that’s definitely impressed, but tonight the showed that he’s more than that, stepping up as a playmaker. He so nearly assisted his Reds teammate in Jordan Petaia for what would’ve been the opening try of the match, but a clever kick in-behind the Pumas defensive line ran inches too far. But like we’ve come to know from his game, the insider centre also took the ball to the line plenty of times. He finished with nine runs for 32 run metres, and made the most tackles of any Wallabies player with eight.
13. Jordan Petaia – 8/10
Just like his centre partner, Petaia was a standout in the first-half, but as the Pumas rallied in the second, he struggled to maintain his control over the game. The 20-year-old had a few promising runs early on, but so nearly scored a stunning try 15 minutes in. Chasing a Paisami kick in-behind the Pumas defence, an acrobatic Petaia so nearly grounded the ball by doing a forward roll – but his foot was on the dead ball line. Other than that, his runs in attack were incredible, with a simply outstanding ability to stay on his feet. He ran the most metres of any player in the first half with 55 metres, but didn’t add to his tally at all in the second.
Fans have taken to social media to express their amazement at the athleticism shown by Wallabies midfielder Jordan Petaia in the act of failing to score what would have been a contender for try of the season. #ARGvAUS #TriNations https://t.co/zWWSSQvTY0
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 21, 2020
14. Tom Wright – 7.5/10
After a superb debut two weeks ago in Brisbane, Wright showed that he well and truly belongs at this level with another strong showing. He ran for 32 metres from four carries, and generally looked threatening running down the right wing.
15. Tom Banks – 7/10
It’s simple: the Wallabies are a better team with Banks on the field. He was reliable under the high ball, and got his chances to look dangerous in attack – running for 44 metres from seven carries.
Reserves
16. Folau Fainga’a – 6/10
17. Angus Bell – 5.5/10
18. Allan Alaalatoa – 5/10
19. Rob Valentini – 6/10
20. Liam Wright – 5.5/10
21. Jake Gordon – 6.5/10
I was pretty impressed with Gordon once he came on. It was pretty surprising in the lead-up to the test to have seen Gordon replace Tate McDermott, who was impressive in his two tests against the All Blacks. But Gordon exited well, kicking his team out of trouble on more than one occasion.
22. Noah Lolesio – N/A
23. Filipo Daugunu – 6/10
In his 15 minutes on the park, Daugunu ran for 23 metres from three runs. Not a bad guy to bring on off the bench.
Comments on RugbyPass
Interesting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
12 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
1 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
15 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
12 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
12 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
15 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
12 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to comments