Like fatherhood, it was messy yet inspired, with lots of errors and ill-discipline, a few moments of pure comedy but also plenty of courage and commitment. As always, luck played its part but luck is a dividend of sweat. And Wallabies sweat was what conjured the single point that turned a dire defeat into a glorious Father’s Day triumph over Argentina in the sideways rain at Estadio Uno Estudiantes de La Plata.
Australia’s 20-19 win over Los Pumas is a turning point for Joe Schmidt’s men. They have snapped an eight-game losing streak in the Rugby Championship and beaten a World Cup semi-finalist on their home deck – a team ranked three spots higher than them who whacked the mighty All Blacks just weeks ago, and a side sworn to send their most-capped player out with a win in his 110th and final Test match in his home town.
