Australia faces record defeat to Argentina ahead of Lions tour

The Wallabies faced a significant setback in their Rugby Championship campaign, suffering a 67-27 defeat to Argentina. This loss has raised concerns about the competitiveness of the upcoming British and Irish Lions series next summer. Australian rugby chief Phil Waugh has attempted to quell these fears, asserting that the team is making progress despite the disappointing scoreline. He emphasized the importance of building experience within the squad, which is currently undergoing a reset following a pool stage exit from the previous World Cup. Waugh acknowledged the disappointment of the second half against Argentina but highlighted that the team is not the most experienced in world rugby. He believes that with continued progress, there is ample time for head coach Joe Schmidt to improve the team's performance. The Wallabies had previously shown promise by leading 20-3 in the match before Argentina's impressive comeback. Looking ahead, Australia is set to face New Zealand in back-to-back Bledisloe Cup matches, which will be crucial for their development. Additionally, the Wallabies' autumn schedule includes tests against all four Lions unions, starting with England on November 9. This series will be an opportunity for the team to gain valuable experience and showcase their growth. The recruitment of Joseph Suaalii from the NRL is expected to bolster the squad, as he prepares for his first game with the Wallabies. Overall, while the recent defeat has raised concerns, there is a belief within Rugby Australia that the team is on the right path towards improvement and competitiveness in the future.