Les Kiss has described Australia's Rugby Championship series win over Argentina as a primary objective achieved, while acknowledging his squad's frustration at finishing level in the second Test in Mendoza on Saturday.
The Wallabies drew the second Test having won the first by six points a week earlier in Tucumán, securing the series. Despite spending the final 13 minutes with a two-man advantage — Lucio Cinti and Santiago Carreras both receiving yellow cards — Australia failed to score again after their penalty try, leaving Kiss to describe "mixed feelings" in the dressing room.
"We probably took control of patches of that game and put ourselves in a good position to win it," Kiss said. "But the boys are a little bit disappointed that they didn't go on with it for sure."
He pointed to a combination of Argentine field position and Australian execution errors in the closing stages, noting that a wayward pass cost his side a likely match-winning opportunity when they were in range.
Of more immediate concern is the fitness of fly-half Carter Gordon, who left the field with a lower-leg injury late in the match. Gordon was sent for scans, with Kiss expecting results by Monday or Tuesday.
"He just had a blow in his lower limb by contacting the lower limb, so we're just going to get that checked out properly," Kiss said. "I wish I had an answer now, but I probably have one when we land on Monday, Tuesday."
Gordon's availability is significant with South Africa arriving in Perth in three weeks for the Rugby Championship clash. Kiss acknowledged the Wallabies will carry a rest advantage into that match given the Springboks' heavier load of travel and matches over the same period.
"To get home and refresh, catch up with their families, I think is an ideal opportunity for us to make sure we can come into that Perth camp and put something on the table," he said.