Fijian winger Marika Koroibete and flanker Rob Valetini will be part of the Wallabies lineup facing Argentina in Buenos Aires on Sunday morning. Their inclusion is expected to strengthen the team as they aim to recover from two recent losses to South Africa.
Another Fijian player, Langi Gleeson, will start on the bench. Coach Joe Schmidt has appointed backrower Harry Wilson as the team captain, making him the 90th player to lead Australia. Wilson’s captaincy comes as Taniela Tupou returns to the starting lineup after missing the previous two Tests against South Africa, joining hooker Matt Faessler and Angus Bell.
Nick Frost will also make his return from a concussion, partnering with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second row. In the backline, Hamish Stewart from Western Force will make his debut as Wallaby number 986, after a long journey that included over 100 Super Rugby matches with the Force and Queensland Reds.
Additionally, NSW Waratahs captain and scrumhalf Jake Gordon is back in the lineup, teaming up with Noah Lolesio following his recovery. The bench will feature experienced players such as Allan Alaalatoa alongside Josh Nasser and Isaac Kailea.
James Slipper will have to wait another week to match George Gregan’s record of 139 Wallabies caps, which he hopes to achieve during the Bledisloe Cup series. Injured players Jeremy Williams and Gleeson have both recovered and will provide additional support for the forwards, while Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, and Max Jorgensen remain in the 23-man squad.
“The players have bounced back from the travel and time difference since arriving in Buenos Aires, with today’s training being our most energetic,” Schmidt noted. He acknowledged the challenge posed by the anticipated vocal support for Argentina, while expressing gratitude for the encouragement received from fans in Australia, which the team intends to honor.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 10 am Fiji time.