After six Test matches in the last two months, the Wallabies return home for a crucial week off before welcoming Los Pumas to Australian shores.
The men in gold will need to win both matches in Townsville and Sydney to reclaim the Puma Trophy, which they have not held since 2022.
Despite coming fresh off their maiden home win over New Zealand, Argentina face selection headaches in key positions as they prepare to fly out to Australia on Friday
An injury to flyhalf Tomás Albornoz (finger) means Pumas rookie Gerónimo Prisciantelli will likely be called upon to face the Wallabies, however, Joe Schmidt faces far bigger problems with at least 13 Australian starting players injured and several back up options also on ice..
So, who do we expect to see play in gold when the side takes the field in Townsville?
First up, the forwards.
Massimo De Lutiis, Allan Alaalatoa, Charlie Cale, Luke Reimer, Matt Faessler, Lachlan Lonergan, Liam Wright, Blake Schoupp, Harry Johnson-Holmes
James Slipper, Harry Wilson, Taniela Tupou, Isaac Aedo Kailea, Nic Dolly
Charlie Gamble, Seru Uru, Josh Canham
Josh Nasser, Billy Pollard, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Aidan Ross, Tom Robertson, Rhys van Nek, Angus Bell, Nick Frost, Will Skelton, Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakia-Loto, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini
Joe Schmidt’s forwards have copped plenty of injuries over the last two months, but while several names have question marks next to them, the growing pack depth bodes well against Los Pumas.
Allan Alaalatoa is unlikely to be available while he recovers from a shoulder injury, alongside Massimo De Lutiis, Luke Reimer and Charlie Cale; who were considered for selection for South Africa but remain in rehab from injuries sustained playing for their respective Super Rugby sides.
Matt Faessler also missed the plane to South Africa after picking another calf strain and his return to play is unclear.
Schmidt won't be able to call upon the likes of former captain Liam Wright and Wallaby props Blake Schoupp and Harry Johnson-Holmes either, with the two latter out for the year.
Lachlan Lonergan is also unlikely for a call up, reportedly sustaining an ACL injury playing club rugby.
However, Schmidt should be able to call upon James Slipper after a concussion ruled the veteran prop out of the Cape Town test match.
Harry Wilson sustained a knee injury in Johannesburg - though to what extent is unclear - while Taniela Tupou dislocated a finger in Cape Town.
Aidan Ross, Angus Bell and Tom Robertson are all available and fit for the front row, with Rhys van Nek called into the squad after Slipper’s scratching.
Schmidt can also turn to Isaac Aedo Kailea, who was capped eight times for the Wallabies in 2024, assuming he has recovered from a knee injury sustained ahead of the Tahs' game against the Lions.
The Wallabies' second row options remain unscathed, even should Will Skelton be called back to France, with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto thus far unused and Josh Canham set to play a Hospital Cup final for Bond University this weekend.
If any more hookers are lost due to injury, Josh Nasser is available in the squad, while Schmidt could also consider former England international Nic Dolly, pending his full recovery from a knee injury ahead of the Force's match with the Lions.
Lastly, if a space becomes available with Wilson out in the loose forwards, the door could open for two-cap Wallaby Seru Uru, or NSW flanker Charlie Gamble, who ended the Lions series with his stocks firmly risen.
Gamble excelled for the Waratahs against the tourists and backed up his efforts with a best on ground performance for the First Nations Pasifika XV.
