Fijian winger Marika Koroibete and flanker Rob Valetini will take the field for the Wallabies in their upcoming match against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Sunday morning. Their inclusion is expected to bolster the team’s efforts as they seek to recover from two recent defeats to South Africa.
Joining Koroibete and Valetini, Langi Gleeson is positioned in the reserves. Coach Joe Schmidt has appointed Harry Wilson as captain, marking him as the 90th player to lead the Australian side. Wilson’s captaincy follows the return of Taniela Tupou to the starting lineup after missing the two Tests against South Africa. He will be joined by returning hooker Matt Faessler and Angus Bell.
Nick Frost also makes his return to the squad after recovering from a concussion, pairing with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second row. In the backline, Hamish Stewart of the Western Force is set to don the number 986 jersey for the Wallabies as he takes on the role of inside centre, a significant achievement following his extensive experience in Super Rugby with the Force and Queensland Reds.
NSW Waratahs captain and scrumhalf Jake Gordon joins the lineup as another change, forming a partnership with Noah Lolesio after recovering from injury.
On the bench, experienced players Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Nasser, and Isaac Kailea will provide depth. However, James Slipper will need to wait another week to match George Gregan’s record of most Wallabies caps at 139, which he may achieve during the upcoming Bledisloe Cup series. Jeremy Williams and Gleeson round out the forward coverage after overcoming injuries, while Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, and Max Jorgensen maintain their positions to complete 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 stated. “We know the Argentinians will enjoy vocal home support, but we’ve also had plenty of encouragement from back in Australia, which we appreciate and will strive to live up to.”
The match is scheduled to kick off at 10 am Fiji Time.