Devastating Defeat: Wallabies Thrashed by Argentina in Rugby Championship

Australia's coach Joe Schmidt expressed disappointment after the Wallabies suffered a record 67-27 loss to Argentina in the Rugby Championship. Despite an initial lead, the team faltered in the second half. With 16 debutants, Schmidt emphasized the need for time to build squad depth and resilience.

In a disheartening turn of events, the Wallabies, coached by Joe Schmidt, experienced a record-breaking 67-27 defeat to Argentina's Pumas in Santa Fe during the Rugby Championship on Saturday. The Australians initially raced to a 17-point lead but suffered a dramatic collapse post-interval, leading to their second-heaviest defeat as Argentina capitalized.

Schmidt commented on the squad's youthfulness, particularly those who came off the bench during the last 20 to 30 minutes of the game. "Until then the game was very much in the balance. To lead 20-3 in the first half and then to be 20-17 at halftime meant it swung a bit, but we were still in front," he said, expressing disappointment over the second-half lapse.

The defeat marks only the second time Australia has conceded 60 points or more in a match, the first being in 1997 against South Africa. Despite early tries from Carlo Tizzano and Andrew Kellaway, Argentina responded with nine tries of their own. Reflecting on the match, Schmidt noted the importance of building squad depth through their current two-test mini tour of Argentina. "Getting the time with the players and getting the opportunity for them to build as a squad is always really positive when you're away on tour," he concluded.

(With inputs from agencies.)