Coach Joe Schmidt calls on Wallabies to improve preparations before Pumas rematch

Australia coach Joe Schmidt wants his Wallabies side to be more focused in their preparations ahead of the Sept 13 second Rugby Championship meeting with Argentina to avoid making another slow start against Los Pumas in Sydney.

His team needed a last-gasp Angus Bell try

to emerge with a 28-24 win

in Townsville on Sept 6, a result the New Zealander felt was harsh on the battling South Americans.

“That’s just not fair on the Pumas,” Schmidt said. “They are such a good side. They made a couple of errors that let us off the hook. We’ve got to be conscious of that.

“Next week that may not be the case and we’re going to have to make sure we roll our sleeves up during the week to be better in the first half. We know they’re going to be.”

Tries from Bautista Delguy and Mateo Carreras along with three penalties from Santi Carreras had given Argentina a 21-7 lead at the interval, but Joseph Suaalii inspired a second-half Wallabies comeback before Bell's late winning try.

“Some of the penalties were really disappointing,” said Schmidt. “I don’t think we needed to concede them.

“If we could tidy those things up alone it gives them a little less access to the game, because they don’t need a whole heap of access. They are such a competitive team.”

Tom Lynagh’s involvement in Sydney is uncertain after the fly-half was replaced in Townsville, initially due to a tight hamstring.

The 22-year-old underwent a pair of head injury assessments following his substitution, passing the second, and he will be tested again on Sept 8 before a decision is taken on his availability for selection.

“He actually felt good after the game and he feels good now,” Schmidt said in the post-match press conference.

“We will not be risking him in any shape or form and we will get the best medical advice around what the best course of action is from here.” REUTERS