Harry Wilson is set to resume captaincy duties for the Wallabies, being among three changes Joe Schmidt has made to the side that lost to the Springboks in Cape Town.
With the Wallabies set to face a strong Pumas outfit in Townsville, Wilson will be joined by Reds teammate Tom Lynagh in flyhalf, while Andrew Kellaway will fill the void left by Tom Wright at fullback.
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The result will see an unchanged dynamic in the centres, with Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii set to play alongside each other for the ninth consecutive match.
Wilson’s inclusion will see Tom Hooper shift into the second row to fill the gap left by Will Skelton’s departure, with Lukhan Salakia-Loto and Allan Alaalatoa among the names set to miss out.
Schmidt has also opted to keep an unchanged front row, with Tom Robertson and Taniela Tupou keeping a hold on the starting positions alongside Billy Pollard.
Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight complete the loose forwards, while Corey Toole retains his starting spot after making his debut in Cape Town, with Max Jorgensen fulfilling duties on the other wing.
The Wallabies head coach has also added two new names to the bench, with Carlo Tizzano coming in for Nick Champion de Crespigny, while Filipo Daugunu is set to provide a utility injection in the closing stages of the game, in place of Tane Edmed.
James O’Connor will move into the finishing flyhalf position off the bench after starting against the Springboks, while Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angua Bell, Zane Nonggorr and Jeremy Williams maintain their finishing roles from South Africa.
“The players have reassembled after a few days break, following our two games in South Africa, and worked their way through a very warm week here in Townsville,” Schmidt said in official statement.
“Los Pumas are a combative and skilled side, and they will be confident after their recent performances. We know we’re going to need to be at our very best on Saturday afternoon.”
1. Tom Robertson (34 Tests) – #898; Dubbo Junior Rugby Club
2. Billy Pollard (12 Tests) - #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
3. Taniela Tupou (61 Tests) - #917; Brothers Rugby
4. Nick Frost (31 Tests) – #953; Hornsby Lions
5. Tom Hooper (15 Tests) - #964; Bathurst Bulldogs
6. Rob Valetini (54 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (31 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (27 Tests) - #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Nic White (75 Tests) - #875, Maitland Blacks
10. Tom Lynagh (6 Tests) - #977; University of Queensland
11. Corey Toole (1 Test) - #992; Wagga Crows
12. Len Ikitau (45 Tests) – #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (10 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
14. Max Jorgensen (13 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Andrew Kellaway (43 Tests) - #943, Hunters Hill Rugby Club
Substitutes
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (23 Tests) - #918, Southern Districts
17. Angus Bell (41 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
18. Zane Nonggorr (14 Tests) - #966; Gold Coast Eagles
19. Jeremy Williams (16 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
20. Carlo Tizzano (8 Tests) - #982; University of Western Australia
21. Tate McDermott (47 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club
22. James O’Connor (66 Tests) - #832, St Joseph’s College, Nudgee
23. Filipo Daugunu (12 Tests) - #931, Wests Bulldogs)
