Wallabies vs Argentina Test match squad changes and preparations for 2025 World Cup
Consensus Summary
The Wallabies are preparing for a Test match against Argentina in Jujuy on Sunday, August 30, starting at 4am AEST, with a focus on squad rotation ahead of next year’s World Cup. Coach Les Kiss has made significant changes to the forward pack, including Allan Alaalatoa captaining the team for the sixth time, Isaac Kailea making his first Test start since 2024, and Rob Valetini replacing Harry Wilson at No 8. The backline remains unchanged from the recent 56-17 victory over Japan, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii returning from injury to come off the bench. Argentina’s starting side is unchanged from their loss to South Africa earlier this month, and they face the Wallabies with several key players unavailable due to injuries or prior commitments. The Wallabies are on a three-Test winning streak, while Argentina has struggled in recent matches, including losses to Scotland, England, and South Africa in 2026.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Allan Alaalatoa will captain the Wallabies for the sixth time in the absence of Harry Wilson, who is rested.
- The Wallabies defeated Japan 56-17 in Townsville two weeks ago (or earlier this month).
- Rob Valetini replaces Harry Wilson at No 8 in the starting lineup.
- Isaac Kailea makes his first Test start since 2024 at loosehead prop.
- Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will come off the bench after recovering from a minor hamstring strain.
- The Wallabies starting backline remains unchanged from the Japan match: Tom Wright (15), Max Jorgensen (14), Isaac Henry (13), Hunter Paisami (12), Harry Potter (11), Carter Gordon (10), Ryan Lonergan (9).
- The Wallabies starting forward pack includes: Brandon Paenga-Amosa (2), Isaac Kailea (1), Allan Alaalatoa (3, captain), Josh Canham (4), Jeremy Williams (5), Tom Hooper (6), Fraser McReight (7), Rob Valetini (8).
- The Wallabies replacements include: Billy Pollard (16), Angus Bell (17), Massimo de Lutiis (18), Lachlan Shaw (19), Charlie Cale (20), Tate McDermott (21), Ben Donaldson (22), Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (23).
- The Wallabies are preparing for next year’s World Cup (2025).
- The first Test between the Wallabies and Argentina will be played on Sunday, August 30, starting at 4am AEST.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Coach Les Kiss aims to develop more depth in the squad ahead of next year’s World Cup.
- The Wallabies have reshaped the forward pack to explore different combinations.
- Tom Wright stated he has no preference about where Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii comes on.
- The Wallabies have had five or six Tests this year.
- The Wallabies are on a three-Test win streak (implied by the Japan victory and other wins).
- The Wallabies have a three-Test winning streak (explicitly mentioned).
- Argentina’s starting side is the same as the one defeated by South Africa earlier this month.
- Argentina has several key players unavailable, including captain Julián Montoya, flanker Marcos Kremer, and backs Mateo Carreras, Santiago Chocobares, Bautista Delguy, who faced the Wallabies in 2025.
- Argentina has played four Tests in 2026, with one win, and lost to Scotland, England, and South Africa.
- Argentina defeated Wales during July’s Nations Championship.
- Argentina and the Wallabies each claimed a victory in the two matches played on Australian soil during last year’s Rugby Championship (2025).
- In 2024, both nations traded victories in the two matches played in Argentina.
- Argentina’s replacements include: Leonel Oviedo (16), Rodrigo Martinez (17), Tomas Rapetti (18), Efraín Elias (19), Juan Penoucos (20), Agustín Moyano (21), Nicolas Roger (22), Matias Moroni (23).
- Argentina’s starting side includes: Geronimo Prisciantelli (15), Rodrigo Isgro (14), Lucio Cinti (13), Faustino Sanchez Valarolo (12), Ignacio Mendy (11), Santiago Carreras (10), Simon Benitez Cruz (9), Joaquin Moro (8), Benjamin Grondona (7), Pablo Matera (6, captain), Tomas Lavanini (5), Guido Petti (4), Francisco Moreno (3), Ignacio Ruiz (2), Boris Wenger (1).
Where the reporting differs
Details that conflict, or appear in only some outlets:
- The Guardian mentions a 56-17 victory over Japan two weeks ago, while ABC mentions the same victory earlier this month without specifying the exact date.
- The Guardian states the Wallabies have had five or six Tests this year, while ABC does not specify the number of Tests played this year.
Source Articles
Wallabies rotate forwards for Argentina Test as Suaalii settles for place on bench
Captain Harry Wilson left out of team entirely for clash in Jujuy Reshaped pack ‘worthwhile exploring’, says coach Les Kiss Coach Les Kiss has left out captain Harry Wilson and high-profile recruit Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii from the Wallabies XV to play Argentina in Jujuy this weekend as he seeks to develop more depth in the squad ahead of next year’s World Cup. Tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa will captain the side for the sixth time in the absence of Wilson who, having been rested entirely, will be
New captain and changes in scrum as Wallabies name side to face Argentina
The Wallabies name an all-new starting front row for the first Test against Argentina, with stalwart Allan Alaalatoa taking over the captaincy.
Live: Wallabies face Los Pumas in first Test
The Wallabies are in Argentina to face Los Pumas in the first of two Test matches. Follow live.
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