Source :- THE AGE NEWS
Wallabies coach Les Kiss has opted for rotation ahead of Saturday’s Test against Argentina, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii named on the bench for the second time in his Wallabies career and regular captain Harry Wilson out of the match-day squad.
Suaalii was last named as a replacement on his second cap against Wales in November 2024, while Wilson is rested after 14 successive appearances as the team’s captain. Brumbies tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa will captain his country for the seventh time when they play the Pumas.
Alaalatoa swaps into the starting lineup for Racing 92 prop Taniela Tupou who misses out on the match day squad after scoring two tries in the 39-point victory over Japan in Townsville.
Loosehead prop Isaac Kailea will start and play his first Test in two years with Waratahs teammate Angus Bell, who has been named on the bench. Kailea played 12 times for the Waratahs this season, starting twice in Super Rugby.
A Wallabies back row of Tom Hooper and Fraser McReight will combine with two-time John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini, named at No.8 for the first time since the eight-point defeat against South Africa last August.
A second-row combination of Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams will start in Jujuy, with Lachie Shaw named on the bench and Reds enforcer Lukhan-Salakaia-Loto out of the match-day squad.
Reds centre Isaac Henry has been rewarded for a strong performance against Japan in Townsville and will start in the centres for the second successive time alongside Hunter Paisami.
The back three remains unchanged for a fourth consecutive Test with Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen named on the wings with Tom Wright at fullback.
Kiss said that the squad picked to face Argentina in Jujuy was picked based on the need for rotation ahead of a long season of Test rugby.
“As coaches we’ve needed to consider how we manage a long season for players while also providing Test experience in important positions,” Kiss said.
“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.”
The Pumas are missing key players, including French-based centre Santiago Chocobares, hooker Julian Montoya, winger Mateo Carreras and back rower Marcos Kremer.
Experienced backrower Pablo Matera will captain a young team that includes starting 147kg tighthead prop Francisco Moreno who will win his second cap against the Wallabies.
More to come
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