After that fabulous win over the Pumas in Townsville last Saturday, courtesy of a try in the sixth minute of extra time, my colleague Paul Cully nailed it when writing about Wallabies No.8 and skipper Harry Wilson.

“There’s something about the way he wears his heart on his sleeve that is becoming infectious,” Cully wrote. “The Wallabies are starting to take on his characteristics. Here’s a guy who was overlooked for years and no doubt could have cashed in overseas – and at just 25, Australian rugby has found its long-term leader.”

Indeed. For there was no better example of Wilson at his best than in the way he captained the team in those final minutes of the match. Down 21-24 as the clock ticked two minutes into extra time, the Wallabies were awarded a penalty and an easy chance to salvage what would have been a more than honourable draw.

And now, have a look at what happens next, as the Stan Sport camera captures Wilson in the moments after the ref awards the penalty. James O’Connor comes up to him, clearly seeking instruction: Do I kick for goal?

Wilson takes a deep breath. Turns to look at his forwards. Looks to O’Connor. Makes the decision. We’re going for the try. Kick for touch, James.

Then he turns to his forwards and yells – close your ears, kiddies – “You want this? Let’s f---ing go then!” before bumping fists with Fraser McReight and Angus Bell, the two he will most be looking towards to get this done. And so it starts.

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson and tryscoring hero Angus Bell celebrate after the victory over Argentina.Credit: Getty Images

For the next three minutes, through two more eschewed penalty kicks, the Wallabies pound the Pumas line. And now, in the 85th minute, it happens. Len Ikitau flicks a superb no-look pass to Bell on the burst, who crashes over for the biggest meat pie of his life, getting a kiss on the head from his skipper for his trouble!

It was superb stuff, and superb captaincy by Wilson.

“He’s such a leader within our group,” Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii said afterwards. “We all look to him to make the calls when the pressure is on the line. He made the right call. He backed his boys. That’s what he does. He puts belief in his teammates, and for myself, he’s someone that I look to. I want to play for him.”

Make a place for him next to you, John Eales. He’s arrived.

Souths coach Wayne Bennett has taken a lot of stick this week for his robust defence of his charge, Brandon Smith, after the hooker last month received a police summons on drugs and betting allegations.

“In my opinion,” Bennett said, “it’s pretty trivial what’s going on with it. He is a high-profile person, and [the police] are using that profile to........

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