Wallabies’ imperfections on show in Argentina but biggest could be to come over captain call

Rob Valetini filled in for captain Harry Wilson at No 8 but Fraser McReight’s performance will give Australia coach Les Kiss just as much food for thought

Rob Valetini bulldozed, barged through and brought the hammer down on home hopes in San Salvador de Jujuy during the https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/29/argentina-australia-rugby-union-match-report">Wallabies’ 27-21 win over Argentina, Australia’s fourth victory on the trot.

It was a rare start for Valetini, filling in for captain Harry Wilson in the gold No 8.

The man they call Bobby V turns 28 this week and looks to be building towards his peak just in time for https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/29/wallabies-argentina-team-lineup-2027-rugby-world-cup">next year’s home World Cup.

The person Valetini may have damaged more than anyone with his brutal performance, however, was the rested captain.