Wallaby stalwart set to make history
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: James Slipper is set to equal George Gregan’s record of 139 Tests for the Wallabies when the side takes on Argentina in Santa Fe on Sunday.
The 35-year-old, who made his Wallabies debut in 2010, has been named as the replacement loosehead prop in a substitute front row that also features Allan Alaalatoa and Josh Nasser.
There are just four changes to the starting side that defeated Los Pumas by one point in La Plata, with Max Jorgensen earning his first start, having celebrated his 20th birthday earlier in the week.
He will line up on the right wing, with Andrew Kellaway starting at fullback for the first time in 2024, while Marika Koroibete remains at left wing.
Western Force skipper Jeremy Williams earns a start in the second row alongside Nick Frost, with an unchanged back row of Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, and Harry Wilson named for the Rugby Championship clash.
No. 8 Harry Wilson will captain the side for a second straight week.
Angus Bell will look to continue his strong return from injury as the starting loosehead prop, combining again in the front row with hooker Matt Faessler and tighthead Taniela Tupou, in what will be the first Test between the two sides in Santa Fe.
Last weekend’s match-winner Ben Donaldson will start at flyhalf for the first time this year after Noah Lolesio was ruled out with tightness across the upper back. He partners with Jake Gordon who starts at scrumhalf.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “Last weekend was very tough and very tight. We have a few changes after the bruising encounter and know that it will be physical again this weekend.”
“It’s a tremendous achievement for James to equal the record of the most capped Wallaby. He’s the ultimate team man and I know the whole group will do everything they can to make it a memorable milestone.”
Australia: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Harry Wilson (captain), 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Rob Valentini, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Angus Bell.
Replacement: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 James Slipper, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Josh Canham, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Tom Lynagh, 23 Josh Flook
Date: Saturday, September 7
Venue: Brigadier Estanisiao Lopez Stadium, Santa Fe
Kick-off: 16.00 (21.00, 19.00 GMT, 05.00 AEST Sunday, 8 September)
Referee: Pierre Brousset
Assistant Referees: Ben O’Keeffe, James Doleman
TMO: Marius Jonker
