Defeat for Grondona against Wallabies

By Mark Stevens
6/8/22

Santiago Grondona came on as a late replacement for Argentina as they kicked-off their Rugby Championship campaign with a 41-26 defeat against Australia in Mendoza.

The Exeter Chiefs forward won his eighth Test cap, replacing Juan Martin Gonzalez, but it was not enough to save Michael Cheika's side who were outscored five tries to two by the Wallabies, who included former Chief Nic White in their starting line-up.

Jordan Petaia, Fraser McReight, Folau Fainga’a and Len Ikitau crossed the whitewash for the visitors and they were also awarded a penalty try. Their other points were scored by Quade Cooper, who kicked a penalty and a conversion, and Reece Hodge, who added three conversions and a penalty.

Pablo Matera and Gonzalez scored the Pumas' tries and Emiliano Boffelli contributed 16 points after succeeding with four penalties and two conversions.

Meanwhile, Nic White says he has no doubt about the ability of Wallabies playmaker Cooper to return from a ruptured Achilles injury in time for next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Cooper was a casualty of the Wallabies’ opening Rugby Championship victory over Argentina, but he posted a message on social media declaring himself ready for the challenge of recovering in time for the France tournament, which gets underway in early September.

Speaking from Argentina, White described his halves partner as one of the most professional players he had seen and backed him to reach his goal.

“The lows don’t get him too low and the highs, he certainly doesn’t ride them and doesn’t get caught up in that, he’s a very consistent guy with his emotions,” White said.

“He was in pretty good spirits considering the injury that he had just had and was already talking about the path that he’s happy to take on. I’ve got no doubt that he is the right type of guy that will probably come back sooner than expected and be in some phenomenal shape when he comes back.”