Nine changes for Mendoza
Les Kiss has taken apart most of the side that beat Argentina last weekend and started again.
The Wallabies coach named his team this morning for Saturday’s rematch at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza. Nine players come into the run-on XV that won 27-21 in San Salvador de Jujuy, one of those through a positional switch.
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Fifty for Tom Wright
Tom Wright reaches 50 Tests for Australia in Mendoza. He made his debut against New Zealand in 2020. Max Jorgensen and Filipo Daugunu complete the back three, with Daugunu starting on the wing for the first time since last year’s Test against Ireland in Dublin.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii returns alongside Len Ikitau in midfield. The pair have started together 16 times in the Wallabies’ last 25 Tests, which makes them the closest thing Kiss has to a settled combination.
Ben Donaldson wears the number 10 jersey for the first time since 2024. Ryan Lonergan keeps the scrum-half role and has now started every Test Australia have played this season.
Wilson takes the armband back
Harry Wilson returns as captain from the base of the scrum. Rob Valetini, the two-time John Eales Medallist, shifts to blindside flanker, and Fraser McReight completes the back row after taking the man-of-the-match award in Jujuy.
Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou come back into the front row either side of Billy Pollard. Jeremy Williams and Josh Canham stay together in the second row. The replacement front row is entirely Queensland Reds, with Josh Nasser, Aidan Ross and Massimo De Lutiis.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto covers lock in only his second Test of 2026, and Charlie Cale again backs up the back row. Kalani Thomas, 24, earns a second cap as replacement scrum-half, with Carter Gordon and Isaac Henry completing the matchday 23.
What Kiss said
“After a physical Test last week, we’ve brought in some fresh bodies alongside some existing combinations as we continue to look to build Test experience across the group,” Kiss said.
“We’re expecting a strong response from Argentina on Saturday, and we know we will need to keep stepping up our game in all areas.”
Kick-off in Mendoza is 18:00 local time on Saturday. James Doleman of New Zealand referees.
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