Wallabies name new captain Allan Alaalatoa for first Test against Argentina

The Australian Wallabies are set to face Argentina in their first Test match with a reshuffled forward pack and a new captain at the helm. Veteran prop Allan Alaalatoa will lead the team, marking a significant leadership change.

Coach Les Kiss has opted for an entirely new starting front row for the encounter. Isaac Kailea earns his first start in two years at loosehead prop, Brandon Paenga-Amosa is set to start at hooker, and Alaalatoa will anchor the tighthead side. This change comes as usual captain Harry Wilson has been rotated out of the squad, allowing for player rotation ahead of next year's home World Cup.

In the backline, the Wallabies will field the same starting players who convincingly defeated Japan earlier this month. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is set to return from injury and will feature off the bench. Rob Valetini will play at number eight, replacing Wilson, while Tom Hooper starts at blindside flanker for the first time this year. Queensland Reds star Fraser McReight is named at openside flanker.

Argentina's Los Pumas, meanwhile, are facing their own challenges with several key players unavailable. Captain Julián Montoya, flanker Marcos Kremer, and backs Mateo Carreras, Santiago Chocobares, and Bautista Delguy are all absent. Injuries also rule out Juan Martin Gonzalez, Juan Cruz Mallia, and Pedro Rubiolo.

The Wallabies enter the series on a three-Test winning streak, having secured victories against Japan and Italy. Argentina, having played four home Tests in 2026, has managed only one win, with losses to Scotland, England, and South Africa, though they did defeat Wales. The two nations have a history of trading victories in matches played on Australian and Argentinian soil.