Fijian winger Marika Koroibete and flanker Rob Valetini are set to start for the Wallabies in their match against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Sunday morning. Their inclusion aims to strengthen the team’s lineup as they look to recover from back-to-back defeats to South Africa.
Langi Gleeson, another Fijian player, will be available from the bench. Coach Joe Schmidt has appointed Harry Wilson as captain, marking him as the 90th player to lead Australia. Wilson’s captaincy comes alongside Taniela Tupou’s return to the starting lineup after missing the two matches against South Africa.
Tupou’s return is complemented by the inclusion of hooker Matt Faessler and prop Angus Bell. Nick Frost will also rejoin the team after recovering from a concussion, forming a second-row partnership with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.
In the backline, Hamish Stewart from Western Force will earn his first Wallabies cap, becoming number 986, after a commendable journey of over 100 Super Rugby games with the Force and Queensland Reds. NSW Waratahs skipper Jake Gordon is the other change in the backline, reuniting with Noah Lolesio following his recovery.
The bench includes experienced players like Allan Alaalatoa, alongside Josh Nasser and Isaac Kailea. James Slipper will have to wait another week to match George Gregan’s record of 139 caps, a milestone that may be achieved during the upcoming Bledisloe Cup series.
Jeremy Williams and Gleeson are in the forward cover after returning from injuries, while Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, and Max Jorgensen are set to maintain their positions to complete the 23-man squad. Coach Schmidt commented on the team’s progress, stating, “The players have bounced back from the travel and time difference since arriving in Buenos Aires, with today’s training being our most energetic. 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 justify.”
The match is scheduled to kick off at 10 AM Fiji Time.