Australia and Argentina had a 15-all draw at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday night in front of a sold-out crowd of 11,749.

No tries were scored with all points coming from penalty goals, five each to five-eighths Reece Hodge and Nicolas Sanchez.

The Wallabies dominated possession and territory, led 15-6 with 17 minutes left and had a chance to win the game with a shot just before full-time.

Australia, who were beaten 9-6 by Scotland in the first rugby Test held in Newcastle eight years ago, drew 16-all with New Zealand on October 11 and have since recorded two losses and a win against the All Blacks.

Argentina will meet the Kiwis at McDonald Jones Stadium next weekend.

All three sides are now equal in the Tri Nations tournament standings.

Hunter product Nic White performed well for the Wallabies at halfback.

Australia and Argentina opened proceedings by trading penalty goals.

Wallabies No.10 Hodge making it 3-0 from in front and just inside the 22-metre line before his opposite number Nicolas Sanchez levelled at the other end of the field.

Australia had a try disallowed in the 16^th minute despite a bold play and spectacular grounding. The centre pairing combined with inside Hunter Paisami grubbering from close range and outside Jordan Petaia running under the posts and getting to the bounce just in time only for his foot to brush the dead-ball line.

The Wallabies dominated the first quarter of the game, but had little to show for it on the scoreboard.

Sanchez put the visitors ahead 6-3 with a second penalty goal in the 32^nd minute.

Hodge evened up at 6-all four minutes later from out wide on the left almost 40m out.

The Wallabies went close to scoring a try on the stroke of half-time, but the last pass was forward to winger Marika Koroibete.

On the back of sustained pressure, Australia eventually opted to take a kick at goal and Hodge landed his third penalty after the siren to give the hosts a 9-6 lead at the break.

In the first 40 minutes the Wallabies had 78 percent of territory and 66 percent of possession, making 27 less tackles and running an extra 172m.

Argentina were reduced to 14 players early in the second half when hooker Julian Montoya was given a yellow card. Hodge converted the ensuing chance to increase Australia's lead to six.

As the rain started to come down, Hodge made it five from five attempts to put the Wallabies in front 15-6 in the 57^th minute.

Sanchez put the Pumas back on equal footing courtesy of three consecutive penalties in the 64^th and 68^th and 71st minutes, featuring the last from halfway.

Hodge, who was named man of the match, missed a penalty to the right of the uprights 40m out and 15m in from touch less than three minutes from full-time.