Donaldson: Argentina tour offers valuable world cup preparation

Australia fly-half Ben Donaldson believes success in what could be a hostile two-Test series against Argentina will provide a valuable confidence boost as the 2027 Rugby World Cup moves closer.

The Wallabies will face Argentina in San Salvador de Jujuy on Saturday before travelling to Mendoza for the second Test a week later, continuing their preparations for next year’s World Cup on home soil.

Donaldson said the tour would provide an important test of Australia’s progress under new head coach Les Kiss, particularly with the Wallabies facing a challenging atmosphere on Argentine soil.

“We’re coming up against a good Argentinian side, who we’ve had some great battles with in the past,” Donaldson told reporters in Buenos Aires shortly after the squad arrived.

“Leading into a pretty big year next year, every game is vital for confidence, cohesion and just getting a bit of belief.”

Wallabies targeting consistency

Australia have already played five Tests in 2026, with another nine scheduled before the end of November. The Wallabies will then have further preparation matches next year before beginning their 2027 World Cup campaign against Hong Kong in Perth on October 1.

For Donaldson, every match between now and the tournament represents another opportunity for Australia to build momentum.

“Every away trip, especially in Argentina, is massive,” he said.

“But we’ve just got to focus week to week because every week is big for us leading into the World Cup.”

The 27-year-old added that the significance of each Test was increasing as Australia continued to develop under Kiss.

“Every game has great weight and every time we put on the jersey, we go out there and do our best job. It starts this weekend, and it’s going to be a great challenge for us.”

Kiss putting his stamp on Australia

The Argentina series will be Les Kiss’ third Test in charge of the Wallabies since taking over from Joe Schmidt.

Kiss began his tenure with a dramatic 35-32 victory away to Japan on August 8 before Australia produced a much more convincing display a week later, beating the same opponents 56-17 in Townsville.

The new head coach has already begun putting his own identity on the side, encouraging Australia to adopt a more direct attacking approach while also looking to make better use of width.

Donaldson, who came off the bench for around 20 minutes in both Tests against Japan, has welcomed the changes.

“I’ve been really enjoying it,” he said.

For the fly-half, the key will be finding the right balance between playing directly through opponents and moving the ball into wider areas.

“It’s a fine balance between trying to play with more width, throwing the ball out a bit more, but also trying to play through them and being direct at the same time.”

Donaldson enjoying greater freedom

The Wallabies are still working out exactly how best to implement Kiss’ attacking philosophy, but Donaldson believes the squad is beginning to find its rhythm.

“We’re just trying to find our balance at the moment. We can’t go wide all the time.

“You’ve got to play direct, play through them to start the game, but personally, as a fly-half, I like a bit more width in the game.”

Donaldson believes that approach can also help bring the No. 10 position more prominently into Australia’s attacking structure while creating opportunities for the team’s outside backs.

“It gets us No. 10s in the game a bit more and opens up a bit more space for the outside backs,” he added.

“Personally, I’ve been enjoying it and I think the boys have as well.”

With the 2027 Rugby World Cup now firmly on the horizon, Australia will hope the lessons from Argentina can help transform promising performances into the consistency and belief required to challenge on the biggest stage.