James Slipper's elbow injury has seen experienced prop Scott Sio rushed back into the Wallabies side while Dave Rennie is expected to later this morning announce an unchanged backline for Saturday's must-win Tri Nations match against Los Pumas in Newcastle.
It was only a fortnight ago that Sio was dropped from the 23 altogether.
Now, he finds himself back into the squad and in the No.1 jersey after Slipper's injury.
WATCH THE WALLABIES TAKE ON THE PUMAS IN NEWCASTLE, NOV 21. TICKETS HERE
Rennie has decided that against a hungry Pumas side - fresh from their maiden victory over the All Blacks - that experience will be important.
He could have turned to 20-year-old prop Angus Bell, who was hugely impressive on debut against the All Blacks in the Wallabies' Bledisloe IV victory in Brisbane, instead Rennie's turned to his 66-Test veteran just weeks after dropping him.
Sio hadn't done anything particularly wrong. Indeed, when he was brought on in the second half carve up in Sydney the Bledisloe Cup was well and truly gone. It's just that Rennie wanted more from his experienced prop off the bench.
😤 The last time they met..
— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) November 18, 2020
🗓️ Saturday 21 November 7:45PM AEDT
🏟️ McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
🎟️ Tickets: https://t.co/XPN5MOuVS5
📺 @Foxtel @Channel10au#ARGvAUS @eToro #TriNations2020 pic.twitter.com/83D7Z4BBES
RUGBY.com.au is also aware that Rennie will stick with the same backline that won in Bledisloe IV.
For the past two weeks "consistency" has been the buzz word coming out of Wallabies camp and picking the same backline will help with that.
It's the first time in Rennie's brief tenure to date that he has done so, with playmaker Reece Hodge getting another opportunity to tell Australia that he's a No.10.
He will once again partner Nic White in the halves and the duo will have an important role in playing field position and manipulating the Pumas' defence, which held the All Blacks to just the one try until Caleb Clarke's five-pointer on the stroke of full-time last weekend in western Sydney.
The impressive Hunter Paisami and Jordan Petaia form the midfield pairing and the duo have some continuity outside them with Tom Wright and Tom Banks selected alongside Marika Koroibete in the back three.
READ MORE
THE BRICK WALL TACTICS THE PUMAS USED TO UNSETTLE ALL BLACKS: 5 things we learnt from epic Tri Nations win
'THAT MADE US BELIEVE A LOT MORE': How Cheika helped Los Pumas make history by beating All Blacks
THE ALL BLACKS JUST LOST BACK TO BACK TESTS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2011: Foster says he's feeling no added pressure
Just who else features in the forward pack will be intriguing.
There will be at least one change with the No.6 jersey up for grabs after Lachie Swinton's red card on debut and subsequent four-week ban.
Rennie has a number of options that he could play, including Ned Hanigan, Pete Samu, Rob Valetini, Isi Naisarani and Liam Wright.
But given Pablo Matera's breakdown threat, Reds captain Wright could be in-line to make his starting debut given the on-ball presence he offers and strong defensive technique.
Just whether Hanigan starts at No.6 could be determined by the fitness of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, with the lock recovering from a knee-injury suffered against the All Blacks in Bledisloe III late last month.
Given the fiery nature of the Pumas too, Rennie might well consider starting giant tight-head prop Taniela Tupou ahead of Allan Alaalatoa to provide the Wallabies with a physical and explosive beast in their own weaponry arsenal. Tupou had one of his most explosive performances when he was brought on early in the second half in Brisbane and scored their crucial second try of the match, which came after two powerful charges in the build-up.
The Wallabies can move as high as fifth on the World Rugby rankings with victory over the Pumas on Saturday night.
The match is also a must-win fixture for their overall Tri Nations aspirations, with the All Blacks, Wallabies and Pumas each on one win, with the latter having a game in-hand.
