Kiss rotates Wallabies forwards for Argentina Test / Photo: © AFP
Kiss rotates Wallabies forwards for Argentina Test
Wallabies coach Les Kiss named an entirely different forward pack on Thursday to face Argentina as he continues his policy of rotation, with Harry Wilson rested and prop Allan Alaalatoa captaining the side.
Australia head into the game at Jujuy after back-to-back victories over Japan this month -- a narrow 35-32 win in Osaka followed by a 56-17 thrashing at Townsville.
Those ensured that Kiss got his reign off to a winning start ahead of Saturday's clash.
He retained the same backline that ran out in Townsville, but changed all the forwards with regular skipper Wilson given the week off.
"As coaches, we've needed to consider how we manage a long season for players while also providing Test experience in important positions," said Kiss.
"At the same time, we've selected a team that has lots of experience and proven combinations for what's going to be another tough challenge, taking on Argentina on their home turf -- we'll need to be at our best."
Rob Valetini will start in Wilson's usual No.8 jersey, with Tom Hooper back from a shoulder injury at blindside flanker and Fraser McReight returning on the opposite side of the scrum.
Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams are in the second row with the experienced Alaalatoa in the front row alongside hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Isaac Kailea, who will play his first Test since 2024.
Scrum-half Ryan Lonergan and fly-half Carter Gordon combine for the second consecutive Test as the half-back pairing.
There is also continuity in the midfield with Hunter Paisami and Isaac Henry lining up as the centres while the back three of Harry Potter, Max Jorgensen and Tom Wright is unchanged for the fourth consecutive Test.
If Australia win this weekend, they will climb above Argentina into seventh in the world rankings.
Australia (15-1)
Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Issac Henry, Hunter Paisami, Harry Potter; Carter Gordon, Ryan Lonergan; Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper; Jeremy Williams, Josh Canham; Allan Alaalatoa (capt), Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Issac Kailea
Replacements: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Massimo De Lutiis, Lachlan Shaw, Charlie Cale, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
M.E.Molina--ESF
