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Wallabies fans left in the dark as fury erupts over 'ridiculous' TV move for Argentina Test

The majority of Australians weren't able to watch the Wallabies' last-gasp win in the Rugby Championship.

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·4-min read

Fans have bemoaned the sad state of rugby union in Australia after the Wallabies' Test match with Argentina on Sunday morning wasn't shown on free-to-air TV. The Wallabies kicked a late penalty goal to beat the Pumas 20-19 in the Rugby Championship clash, but fans were left fuming at being left in the dark and unable to watch.

With Channel 9 showing its usual breakfast programs followed by Paralympics replays on the main channel, they opted to show the US Open on secondary channel 9Go. With Aussies Jordan Thompson and Alex de Minaur in action, it was a fair enough decision.

The Wallabies, pictured here during their clash with Argentina.
The Wallabies' clash with Argentina wasn't broadcast on free-to-air TV. Image: Stan Sport/Getty

But it meant the Wallabies were shafted to online platform Stan Sport, meaning fans without a subscription couldn't watch. The situation left fans up in arms, especially considering the game could have been shown on 9Gem.

Many pointed out how far rugby union has fallen in Australia in recent years, with Channel 9's decision summing up the sorry state of the game. One person wrote: "Can someone explain why ch9 have dropped the free to air coverage of this game? It was in the programme last week and on game day… it’s not there. Not all of us can afford Stan Sport."

Wallabies players, pictured here celebrating after their win over Argentina in the Rugby Championship.
Wallabies players celebrate after their win over Argentina. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)

Another person commented: "After 30 years of being a rugby fan, I've finally given up. The last straw was getting up to watch a Test, only to find that it wasn't on TV at all. I don't know what they're doing. It's like they don't care if no one watches."

A third wrote: "I cannot believe the Wallabies game isn’t on free to air tv. Ridiculous." While another added:" And you wonder why the Wallabies are becoming less and less relevant in the national sporting team landscape… only able to watch this game if you pay for it. Absolute joke."

For those who were able to watch it, they witnessed the Wallabies rally in atrocious conditions in La Plata, with Ben Donaldson's penalty kick on the siren securing a last-gasp win. Australia trailed 10-0 and 16-7 at Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi, but found a way in driving rain to improve to 1-2 in the Rugby Championship.

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Len Ikitau was a bright spark in attack despite the wet conditions, while halfback Jake Gordon impressed. Props Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou and loose forwards Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini and first-time skipper Harry Wilson were also influential for Joe Schmidt's side.

The Wallabies had only scored one try in two comprehensive losses to South Africa to begin the series. Their attack was again lacking early against Argentina, unable to score despite making just five tackles to the hosts' 75 in the first 15 minutes.

But Ikitau provided the spark, and the Wallabies found tries through Valetini and Gordon. The Wallabies then hammered the Argentina line in the centre of the field in the dying minutes until winning a penalty with one minute on the clock. Substitute Donaldson, with his first touch, soaked up the remaining seconds and slotted the winning kick as the full-time buzzer sounded.

with AAP