ARGENTINE captain Pablo Matera doesn't know why the Pumas didn't come to Newcastle earlier and described the city as "nicer" than Sydney.
The visitors have been based in the state capital since arriving in Australia this month for four straight Tri Nations fixtures before travelling up the M1 ahead of the weekend.
Argentina and the Wallabies finished with a 15-all draw at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday night and the Pumas will return to the same venue to meet New Zealand on November 28.
Following the latest match, only the second rugby union Test played in Newcastle, Matera said he prefers being in what he describes as a calmer environment.
"I don't know why we didn't come [to Newcastle] earlier," Matera said.
"It's nicer than Sydney. It's not so loud here or as big a city. I like it here. It feels calm. It's a beautiful place."
Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper, who made his international debut for Australia in a 9-6 loss to Scotland in Newcastle in 2012, said despite not cracking a win in front of a crowd of 11,749 it was "exciting" to be back in the region.
"We've been really greatly supported all week going down into Newcastle," Hooper said.
"The good part about it was being sold out, as far as you can these days [with COVID-19 restrictions].
"A lot of people were excited about the Wallabies being back up here. My debut was here eight years ago and that was last time we were here. It was disappointing we didn't seal it off there tonight."
IN THE NEWS:
- Listen to our new audio briefings on your smart speaker
- RTBU calls on NSW Premier to halt testing of $2b intercity train fleet after report flags safety concerns
- Maitland hospital at 'crisis point' after doctor training ban
- NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian axes Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack over vote
- Port Stephens Hunter police on alert for Schoolies celebrations in Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay
