UPDATE: Folau Fainga'a has been ruled out for the Wallabies after suffering a concussion. Lachlan Lonergan will make his first start, with Billy Pollard coming off the bench for his potential debut
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has confirmed James O’Connor will start at flyhalf for the second Test against Argentina in San Juan on August 14.
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O’Connor comes into the side after a season-ending injury to Quade Cooper during last week's 41-26 victory.
He is joined by Lalakai Foketi, with the Waratah slotting into inside centre for his maiden start in place of Hunter Paisami (concussion), who picked up the head knock during the win.
Foketi made his debut for the Wallabies on the Spring Tour against Wales, partnering Len Ikitau.
Rory Arnold has overcome a calf injury as he returns to the Wallabies line-up for the first time in 2022.
Arnold will partner Darcy Swain in the second-row, with Nick Frost retaining his spot on the bench.
“After a tough, physical game last week it's great to be able to call on the experience of guys like James and Rory and also see the team's excitement for La and Irae who get to wear the Wallaby gold again on Saturday," Rennie said in a statement.
"It's going to be a proud occasion for Pone and his family and it's a testament to him for the hard work and obstacles he's had to overcome to earn his first Test cap."
Taniela Tupou makes his return to the starting side after Allan Alaalatoa (personal reasons) departed camp to return to Australia.
Alaalalatoa’s absence paves the way for Rebels prop Pone Fa’amausili to make a long-awaited debut from the bench, joined by club teammate Matt Gibbon and Lachlan Lonergan.
They are joined by centre Irae Simone, who is in line to appear in his first Test since 2020
Simone rounds out the bench alongside Reece Hodge and the returning Tate McDermott as the Wallabies look to maintain top spot on the Rugby Championship ladder.
"Argentina and their supporters will be expecting a response this weekend and we'll need to increase our physicality and accuracy to get another positive result in San Juan," Rennie added.
1. James Slipper (c) (118 Tests)
2. Folau Fainga’a (29 Tests)
3. Taniela Tupou (41 Tests)
4. Rory Arnold (29 Tests)
5. Darcy Swain (12 Tests)
6. Jed Holloway (1 Test)
7. Fraser McReight (3 Tests)
8. Rob Valetini (22 Tests)
9. Nic White (51 Tests)
10. James O'Connor (63 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (46 Tests)
12. Lalakai Foketi (1 Test)
13. Len Ikitau (16 Tests)
14. Jordan Petaia (19 Tests)
15. Tom Wright (13 Tests)
Replacements
16. Lachlan Lonergan (5 Tests)
17. Matt Gibbon (1 Test)
18. Pone Fa'amausili*
19. Nick Frost (3 Tests)
20. Pete Samu (23 Tests)
21. Tate McDermott (16 Tests)
22. Irae Simone (2 Tests)
23. Reece Hodge (56 Tests)
*denotes uncapped
