Valetini Leads Australia Past Argentina in 27-21 Jujuy Test

Australia extended its winning run to four matches with a 27-21 victory over Argentina in San Salvador de Jujuy. The Guardian reported that Rob Valetini played a central role after starting at No. 8 in place of rested captain Harry Wilson, helping the Wallabies secure a difficult away result against Los Pumas.

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Valetini's opportunity came during another round of changes by coach Les Kiss, who has continued to rotate his forward pack. Fraser McReight was named man of the match, while Tom Hooper started at blindside flanker and scored. McReight also took on a leadership role after Allan Alaalatoa left the field during the second half, according to The Guardian.

Australia's forwards produced one of the decisive attacking sequences. McReight linked with Jeremy Williams and Josh Canham on the wide blind side before Brandon Paenga-Amosa completed the move with an aerial finish for the Wallabies' first try. The tourists also claimed four lineout steals, rewarding Kiss's changes in the pack.

There were still execution problems during the six-point win. The Guardian reported that replacement scrumhalf Tate McDermott had one kick charged down and failed to find touch with another. Flyhalf Carter Gordon returned after sustaining a facial injury but also sent a late kick dead in goal. Kiss said neither side had delivered a perfect performance, while winger Max Jorgensen acknowledged that Australia still had considerable work to do.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii contributed during a 15-minute appearance from the bench, including a run and offload on the right. Hunter Paisami also had a strong second half at inside centre. The performances added to the selection decisions facing Kiss as he assesses his combinations ahead of next year's home Rugby World Cup.

Kiss indicated that further changes are planned for the second Test in Mendoza this week, although he said the available options would narrow later in the year. Wilson is expected to return for that match after sitting out the Jujuy victory. Australia now carries a four-game winning streak into the rematch, with the result secured despite the areas for improvement identified by the coach and players.