Dragons RFC prop Rodrigo Martinez made his return to senior international rugby after just under five years away as Argentina narrowly lost 27-21 to Australia in San Salvador de Jujuy.
Los Pumas hosted the first of a two-game series against Australia with the Wallabies travelling to Mendoza for the second match next weekend.
It was a welcome return to the international side for loosehead prop Martinez - who hadn’t represented his country’s senior side since November 2021 – as he was introduced in the 55th minute.
The Wallabies led 12-0 early and were up 22-14 at halftime, with hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Carter Gordon and McReight all crossing the line.
Tries by fullback Geronimo Prisciantelli and No.8 Joaquin Moro kept Argentina in the hunt while a valuable penalty strike by Ryan Lonergan on the stroke of halftime secured the eight-point lead.
The margin was then reduced to one point in the 52nd minute with Pumas prop Boris Wegner burrowing over.
However, the visitors were able to kick away with an impressive team try three minutes later, with flanker Tom Hooper collecting the five-pointer.
The Pumas did their best to find another try but errors, as well as scrambling defence, saw the Wallabies secure an important win away from home.
Argentina face Australia in the second Test in Mendoza this Saturday (September 5 – kick-off 10pm).
