Why Argentina Tests are ‘vital’ for Wallabies before home Rugby World Cup

Wallabies fly-half Ben Donaldson has stressed the importance of each match as the Aussies build towards Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 at home, describing the upcoming two-Test series away to Argentina as “vital” for the group.

The Wallabies kick off their home World Cup in a little over 13 months’ time, when they take on tournament debutants Hong Kong China in Perth on October 1. They will then face rivals the All Blacks in Sydney and Chile at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

But there is plenty of rugby to be played between now and then, with the Aussies just two Tests into their new era under coach Less Kiss. The Wallabies are 2-0 under Kiss, coming off a clinical 56-17 win over the Brave Blossoms in Townsville earlier this month.

Kiss and the Wallabies have since reassembled in Sydney before jetting off to South America for Flight Centre Series fixtures against Los Pumas. The Wallabies have taken out two of the last four matches between the sides in Argentina, last playing there in 2024.

“Hostile environments, two new cities that I’ve never played in; I don’t think many of the boys would have either. Coming up against a good Argentinian side who we’ve had some great battles with in the past, it’s definitely vital,” Donaldson told reporters.

“Leading into a pretty big year next year, every game is big this year; for confidence, for cohesion and just getting a bit of belief.

“Every away trip, especially in Argentina, is massive. But ins saying that, we’ve just got to focus on week to week.

“Every week is big for us leading into a World Cup.”

Taniela Tupou scored a late try as the Wallabies held on for a thrilling three-point win over Japan in Osaka, before the men in gold ran away with an emphatic result against the same opponent a week later in Townsville.

It was a golden start to Kiss’ time in charge of the national team, but it won’t get any easier over in Argentina. The first Test is on August 29 at San Salvador de Jujuy before the two sides meet again a week later at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza.

The Wallabies then host the Springboks in Perth, face the All Blacks at their fortress Eden Park, and play the reverse Bledisloe Cup fixture a week later in Sydney. And that’s not all, with a huge block of Tests still to be played up north, whichw will determine the Nations Championship winners.

“Every game we get to play in a Wallaby jersey has massive importance,” Donaldson said.

“We’ve got a few games now and then the Nations Championship which is a different kind of concept.

“But the way I see it, every game’s important, every game has great weight. Every time we put on the jersey, we go out there to do our best job and it starts this week and it’s going to be a great challenge for us.”