Wallabies coach Les Kiss is backing flyhalf Ben Donaldson to take a rare chance to start at Test level as the playmaker looks to impress against Argentina in Mendoza on Sunday.
Donaldson will pull on the number 10 jersey for the first time since the corresponding fixture against Los Pumas in 2024, swapping with Carter Gordon, who Kiss cleared of injury.
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The 27-year-old has been a regular finisher over the past years but has had limited chances to start.
Since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Donaldson has started flyhalf just twice, both in 2024 against Georgia and Argentina.
Noah Lolesio (12 starts), Tane Edmed (five), Tom Lynagh (four), Carter Gordon (four), James O’Connor (four) and Declan Meredith (three) have all started more games than Donaldson during that period.
“He's had a great season, 'Dono'. We felt it was just an opportunity to make sure he just feels test-ready again as we move into the rest of the season,” Kiss said.
“[Gordon] is fine. It was a physical game last week and you saw the big gash in his head with a heavy knock but he's fine to play.
“From the outset, we wanted to make sure we saw the 10s, all of them, in some form, and Dec {Meredith] had a good run early and Carter came in with Ben on the bench.”
Kiss has continued the theme of regenerating his squad, opting for the new centre pairing of Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
It’s a tried and trusted combination, with their partnership suiting up for the 17th time together in the last 25 Tests.
“We want competitive pressure on each position. We saw Su come off the bench last week. We worked Lenny back into a good training profile over the last two weeks, and he's ready to play, so really looking forward to seeing that combination come along,” Kiss noted.
“It's got a lot of experience together so that's a big plus. Both class players, it's an opportunity to see them back together for sure.”
Further changes see captain Harry Wilson return to the back row, with Tom Hooper (shoulder) dropping out of the side as Kiss manages his return.
A near-full Queensland Reds bench has been named, with Brumbies back-rower Charlie Cale the lone non-Queenslander.
This includes Kalani Thomas, coming in for Tate McDermott as he deals with a knock to his knee.
"They've had a good look at me and the new coaching team and we've had a good look at them, they've all had an opportunity to contribute," Kiss added.
"Thinking forward, we will definitely start to narrow down our options ... that's in every position."
