The new era Wallabies are a team Australia can believe in again

Go big or go home, and the Wallabies hit a home run with a try six minutes after the siren to secure yet another sensational comeback victory and solidify their transformation as a team that has rediscovered their winning mentality.

That mentality eluded them for years, when they would have played it safe and kicked a penalty goal for a draw, grateful to get away with points from an exceptionally tough Test against Argentina in humid Townsville.

Instead, Australia had three chances to take a penalty to earn a draw, yet opted to go for the try, and it was third time lucky as prop Angus Bell crashed over from close range to grasp the 28-24 win.

Make no mistake. This is a different Wallabies identity.

This surpassed their 84th minute try against England to win the Test at Twickenham last November.

This reeked of the same, never-say-die attitude that marked their 38-22 win over South Africa in Johannesburg three weeks ago, having trailed 22-0.

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson and his leadership team chose to go for the win each time they earned a penalty post siren.

This was their signal of intent; they are here to win The Rugby Championship, not finish a close second.

Against an Argentina side that had just beaten the All Blacks.

An Argentina side that had led 21-7 at halftime, and 24-21 after the bell.

Fullback Juan Cruz Mallia nailed a 79th minute penalty to put the Pumas in the lead.

A smart kick-off by James O’Connor earned possession back, and Australia were ruthless in their pursuit for victory.

Had they lost, Australia would have slipped below Argentina in the world rankings. Losing at home costs so much more than victory.

With the 2027 World Cup draw to be held in December based on the rankings, the temptation to clinch an easy draw would have been too appealing for teams with lesser belief.

This iteration of the Wallabies under coach Joe Schmidt has found a new edge.

That is what makes Len Ikitau get to the breakdown at the tryline, throw a pass to a raging Bell and backs him to hold the ball between two tacklers and crash over.

They back each others’ ability to deliver when it counts.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who scored two second half tries, chose the right time to make a statement, as all the noise in the NRL is how league got the better deal pinching Mark Nawaqanitawase.

Not that the Wallabies should be rubbing their hands. They need a talent like Nawaqanitawase if they are any chance of winning the home World Cup in two years.

But results like this are building blocks for a strong campaign.

Fans believe again.

The Wallabies are showing the fight long called for.

With nearly 60 per cent of possession and territory in the first half, it was an anomaly for Australia to be trailing 21-7 at the break.

It told the story of the Pumas being ruthless with their chances, and the Wallabies struggling to cope with an exuberant attacking style.

Argentina were able to find far too many gaps with their limited set plays from the scrum.

The razzle dazzle backline spreads proved too complicated for an often static defence.

They went into the sheds with Ikitau demanding his team “fire up”.

Schmidt made his points in a team huddle before they re-entered the field.

At numerous times in the second half – lost balls, conceded penalties, blown line breaks – it seemed a win was just out of reach for Australia.

But they continued to be courageous.

And proved there is a genuine reason why they should be.