Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Les Kiss has resisted throwing any Argentina curveballs, with a fit Len Ikitau the only addition to the squad that produced wins in his first two Tests as Wallabies coach.
Ikitau (ankle), the 2025 Wallabies player-of-the-year, had minor surgery and missed the recent victories against Japan in Osaka and Townsville.
He has effectively replaced unlucky fullback Jock Campbell, who impressed in the No.15 against Ireland before injuries elsewhere saw him employed as a playmaking bench option against France.
With Tom Wright locked in at fullback, Campbell – named the Queensland Reds’ best player at this week’s end-of-season awards – was replaced by Ben Donaldson as the fullback or flyhalf bench cover for the next three Tests.
Centre Josh Flook has also been left out while Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (hamstring) will also return after missing Saturday’s Townsville Test, creating a log-jam of midfield options against the world No.7 Pumas.
Winger Max Jorgensen has been included despite coming off with a sore chest on Saturday, while code-hopper Zac Lomax remains on the injury list and unavailable for selection.
Lock Miles Amatosero, unavailable for the first Test as part of a three-game suspension for a red card earned in Osaka, was also not considered for selection.
Kiss, who tested new combinations in the pack and centres in his first two games in charge, has otherwise played a straight bat ahead of what will be sterner tests in San Salvador de Jujuy and Mendoza on August 30 and September 6.
“As coaches we’ve looked to maintain consistency in selection with the bulk of this squad having laid a solid foundation over the past few weeks, through their hard work and connection on and off the field,” he said.”Touring Argentina presents another tough challenge for us as a new group, and it’s one that we know will require us to go to another level as we continue to look to build and develop our game.”
Where Kiss selects Suaalii will be telling after Isaac Henry’s strong running and second-phase play at outside centre caught the eye in Townsville.
Hunter Paisami has also impressed at No.12 in Ikitau’s absence, leading to questions post-match about where Suaalii fits in the picture.
There is a push for former NRL star Suaalii to move to the wing to ensure more involvement and better harness his aerial ability.
Kiss, who replaced Joe Schmidt ahead of next year’s home Rugby World Cup, said before his first Test in charge that he was “persisting at No.13 with him at this stage, but I know that he can go to fullback and wing, and that’s important to acknowledge as well”.
But the exclusion of Campbell and Flook from this squad hints that Kiss is now considering a Suaalii switch.
Zane Nonggorr (calf) remains sidelined, with Massimo De Lutiis set for his first full Wallabies tour after arriving late into Osaka and debuting in Townsville.
Wright will notch 50 Test caps if he plays in both Tests.
The squad will assemble in Sydney on Saturday, before departing for Buenos Aires on Sunday.
WALLABIES SQUAD: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Charlie Cale, Josh Canham, Massimo de Lutiis, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw , Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson (c), Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Carter Gordon, Isaac Henry, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Declan Meredith, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Tom Wright.
