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Wallabies going mental in Mendoza

Wallaby coach Michael Cheika believes his side is getting used to pushing through uncomfortable positions.

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The Wallabies proved as much in Bloemfontein last week, throwing counterpunches to every Springboks try in the second half, even as the altitude took hold.

"The squad's stepping forward in mentality more than anything," Cheika told rugby.com.au.

"They're starting to get a bit more mentally tough.

"Mentally we've got to say, right, this is uncomfortable I've got more in me.

"If you look at it in perspective where we've been this year, bar [the first] game, where we had to comeback against New Zealand, we've been right up there.

* Article continues below video!

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"Either winning or losing at the last minute or drawing with a team that is still relatively light on experience.

"I like the group of players we've got – we'll be sticking with them."

The first chance to build on the draw in Bloemfontein comes against Argentina in Mendoza on Saturday, a match that could lock up second place in The Rugby Championship, should they win.

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* Meanwhile flyhalf Bernard Foley said they are confident of overcoming travel fatigue and beating Los Pumas.

The Australians have caught seven flights this past week, having clocked more than 20,000 kilometres.

That takes a serious drain on the body, but flyhalf Foley believes a win in Mendoza is non-negotiable after two draws against the Springboks in the past month.

"For sure, winning away from home is such a tough thing to do especially Test match rugby and you see all the factors, the travel, the hospitality here is not always great but you just love it," Foley said.

"That is the thrill and enjoyment [you get] out of Test match rugby and playing away from home.

"Argentina is going to be exactly that, the same challenge. It's a tough place to win.

"There's all these variable but something that as a squad we've got to enjoy and embrace.

"It's unique because everyone is against you and it's just you with 30 players and 10 staff or whatever it is.

"It's everyone sitting in that room and being satisfied with what we had just achieved.

"We're close but it's disappointing because we can't get that satisfaction just yet."

Source: @qantaswallabies

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