Brumbies skipper Allan Alaalatoa will lead the Wallabies into battle against Argentina, named captain for the seventh time as seven ACT players feature in Australia’s 23 for Saturday night’s Flight Centre Series Test in Salvador de Jujuy.
The veteran tighthead prop will lead the Wallabies out alongside Brumbies teammates Ryan Lonergan, Tom Wright and Rob Valetini, who all start, while Billy Pollard, Lachie Shaw and Charlie Cale have been named on the bench.
Alaalatoa will pack down in the starting front row alongside Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Melbourne-raised prop Isaac Kailea, who will make his first Test start since 2024.
Two-time John Eales Medallist Valetini starts at number eight, with Lonergan continuing his halves partnership with Carter Gordon for a second consecutive Test.
Pollard will provide the hooker cover from the bench, while Shaw and Cale will both make their first Test appearances away from home, adding further experience to their growing international careers.
The Wallabies have retained plenty of continuity elsewhere, with Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams combining in the second row, while Tom Hooper and Fraser McReight round out the starting back row.
Hunter Paisami and Isaac Henry continue in the centres, with the back three of Harry Potter, Max Jorgensen and Tom Wright unchanged for a fourth consecutive Test.
Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii complete the Wallabies’ matchday 23 from the bench.
Wallabies Head Coach Les Kiss said the selection balances the demands of a long season with the need to build experience ahead of another stern challenge in Argentina.
“As coaches we’ve needed to consider how we manage a long season for players while also providing Test experience in important positions.
“At the same time, we’ve selected a team that has lots of experience and proven combinations for what’s going to be another tough challenge taking on Argentina on their home turf – we’ll need to be at our best.”
