Fijian winger Marika Koroibete and flanker Rob Valetini will feature in the starting lineup for the Wallabies as they face Argentina in Buenos Aires on Sunday morning. Their inclusion will enhance the team’s depth as they aim to recover from recent defeats to South Africa in two previous matches.
Another Fijian, Langi Gleeson, is set to be available from the bench. Head coach Joe Schmidt has appointed backrower Harry Wilson as the captain, making him the 90th player to lead Australia. Wilson’s leadership comes as Taniela Tupou returns to the starting side after missing the last two Tests against South Africa, joining hooker Matt Faessler and Angus Bell.
Nick Frost is also back in the lineup after recovering from a concussion and will partner Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second row. In the backline, Hamish Stewart from the Western Force is poised to become Wallaby number 986 as he takes the inside centre position, marking a significant achievement in his career after over 100 Super Rugby matches with the Force and Queensland Reds.
Adding to the changes in the backline, NSW Waratahs captain and scrumhalf Jake Gordon partners with Noah Lolesio after returning from injury. The bench will feature Allan Alaalatoa, providing experience along with Josh Nasser and Isaac Kailea.
James Slipper will have to wait another week to match George Gregan’s record of 139 caps for the Wallabies, with the potential to achieve this milestone in the upcoming Bledisloe Cup series. Jeremy Williams and Gleeson have also recovered from their injuries, completing the forward cover, while Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, and Max Jorgensen maintain their positions in the matchday squad.
Schmidt commented on the team’s morale, stating that they have adjusted well to the travel and time difference since arriving in Buenos Aires, with a particularly energetic training session leading up to the match. He acknowledged the challenging environment posed by the Argentine home fans but expressed gratitude for the support received from back in Australia, which they aim to honor during the game. The match will kick off at 10 am Fiji Time.