Wallabies debut fresh forward pack against Argentina in first test

Australia's Wallabies are set to field a revitalized forward pack when they face Argentina in the first of two tests on Saturday. Coach Les Kiss has opted for a fresh lineup in the scrum, signaling a strategic shift for the upcoming match.

Loosehead prop Isaac Kailea makes a return to the Wallabies squad for the first time in two years, bolstering the front row. Tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa will lead the team as captain, taking over from Harry Wilson, who is among several players rotated out of the starting lineup. The second row and loose forward positions also see new faces, with Rob Valetini returning at eighthman, Tom Hooper starting at blindside flanker for his first start this year, and Fraser McReight completing the loose forward trio.

In the second row, Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams will continue their partnership, having started all three previous Nations Championship matches. The halfback pairing of Ryan Lonergan and Carter Gordon remains unchanged, as does the Queensland Reds center pairing of Hunter Paisami and Isaac Henry, who delivered strong performances in the recent 56-17 win against Japan.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is set to return from injury, though he will be on the replacement bench. Len Ikitau is sidelined as he recovers from an ankle problem. The second test of the series is scheduled to take place in Mendoza on September 5.

The team lineup for the match in San Salvador de Jujuy is: 15-Tom Wright, 14-Max Jorgensen, 13-Isaac Henry, 12-Hunter Paisami, 11-Harry Potter, 10-Carter Gordon, 9-Ryan Lonergan, 8-Rob Valetini, 7-Fraser McReight, 6-Tom Hooper, 5-Jeremy Williams, 4-Josh Canham, 3-Allan Alaalatoa (captain), 2-Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1-Isaac Kailea. Reserves include Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Massimo de Lutiis, Lachlan Shaw, Charlie Cale, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.