Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Forgotten Wallaby steps up in Pumas win

Scott Fardy led the tackle count in Australia's superb defensive display to help secure a berth in the Rugby World Cup final.

The forgotten man of the Wallabies' all-star back-row has become the unsung hero of their gutsy push for World Cup glory.

Despite standing nearly two metres tall and sporting a bushman's beard, Scott Fardy never garners the attention and plaudits heaped on David Pocock and Michael Hooper.

But that's only because much of his toil is the grunt work required by his blindside flanker position, cleaning out at rucks and bruising close-in defence.

And if he's underrated by the general public, the feeling is certainly not the same within the Wallabies' dressing room.

"Not at all," said Pocock, who finished with four turnovers against Argentina.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"He's a big part of the team and we all really value what he adds and the way he goes about things.

"He may not get the credit he deserves but we certainly appreciate his efforts.

"Fards is a bloke who just gets on with it, gets through a huge amount of work.

"He goes about his business, gets around the field well. I really enjoy playing alongside him."

Fardy had perhaps his finest game for Australia in their tense 29-15 semi-final victory over Argentina on Sunday (Monday AEDT), lifting his teammates with his inspirational efforts.

His match up with All Blacks hardman Jerome Kaino will be a huge feature of the forward battle in World Cup decider.

Australia made a monstrous 142 tackles against Argentina - more even than in their extraordinary defensive display against Wales, where they held firm despite being two men down for seven minutes.

Fardy led all tacklers in the match with 16 and it was his crucial shutdown of an Argentinian attacking raid late in the second half, with the Wallabies clinging to a seven-point lead, which halted a late push from the courageous Pumas.

And that's not to mention the two turnovers he notched - including one that started the second half with a penalty and three points to Bernard Foley, which steadied Australia's charge in a tight tussle.

As is often the case, Fardy was forced from the field under the blood rule and finished the game with another couple of stitches in his already grizzled face - but he also had a Wallabies legend sit up and take notice.

"He doesn't get a lot of plaudits, but Scott Fardy was outstanding - particularly in defence," champion five-eighth Michael Lynagh said.

"He snuffed out some very promising Argentinian moves there. I thought he was great."


3 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world