Wallabies slump to historic 135-year low sparking fears over future of Australian rugby

The Wallabies' record Rugby Championship loss to Argentina has ramped up fears next year's tour to Australia by the British and Irish Lions will be a one-way whitewash which could prove fatal for the entire concept. Australia led Los Pumas 20-3 after 30 minutes in Santa Fe on Sunday morning (AEST), only to hoist the white flag and concede 64 points in 50 minutes to go down 67-27.

In a series of firsts, it was the most points conceded by an Australian side in its 135-year history, the heaviest loss to an Argentinian team and just six points away from the Wallabies' biggest ever defeat. After beating Argentina by a point just seven days ago, there was renewed hope the Australians were tracking in the right direction under new coach Joe Schmidt.

But this record loss – coupled with tepid displays against Wales and Georgia and dual thrashings at the hands of South Africa – has crushed that expectation. Schmidt and his players offered up the usual empty platitudes after the crash and burn effort in Santa Fe, speaking of the need to learn from the catastrophe and build on the flecks of gold from the opening half hour.

Former Wallaby believes Argentina loss will have lasting impact

But former Wallaby Justin Harrison believes this latest humiliation will have a long-lasting impact. "You know what? I've got to say, it just doesn't hurt for a little while," he told Stan Sport.

"There will be a part of you that will hurt and (you'll) remember that for as long as you are alive. As a Test player, you do remember things like that. You remember the good but you remember the bad just as much."

The embarrassing loss will do nothing to ease concerns next year's British and Irish Lions tour to Australia will be an uncompetitive yawn-fest. While the stands will be full, optimism surrounding Australia's ability to match it with the visitors is not.

Australia's bitter rugby battle with England under threat

But prominent UK rugby journalist Daniel Schofield warned Lions fans to be careful what they wish for, particularly with the Lions concept no guarantee to find a slot in rugby's crammed international schedule in the future. He wrote in the Daily Telegraph: "A 3-0 clean sweep may sound like a resounding triumph for the Lions but it is the sense of jeopardy that keeps fans, sponsors and broadcasters engaged. Without it, the series suffers.

"Make no mistake, there are influential people in the corridors of power within rugby who hold no love for the Lions and would gladly push it out of the rugby calendar. After the non-event of the (Covid-hit) Springbok series (in 2021), the Lions and the wider rugby economy as a whole desperately needs a compelling, competitive series.

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"Whatever schadenfreude that British and Irish supporters might be enjoying at Australia’s expense should be replaced by a legitimate desire to see the Wallabies regain their swagger in time for next year’s series." Unfortunately, 12 months out, the Wallabies are more stagger than swagger.