The Wallabies will welcome back Israel Folau and David Pocock for their Rugby Championship clash against Argentina after the duo missed the side’s win last weekend through injury.
However, while Pocock will slot into the number 8 role he has filled all year for the Wallabies, Folau won’t line up in his customary fullback position, instead being named on the wing.
It’s the first time since 2013 that Folau has been named on the wing in a Test – he played his first five games for Australia out wide before moving to the more central position at the back in order to get his hands on the ball more frequently.
Dane Haylett-Petty will wear the number 15 jersey against the Pumas, having impressed at the back while filling in for Folau in the Wallabies’ past two games.
(AAP Image/Dan Peled)
The inclusions of Pocock and Folau are the only two changes to the run-on side. Jack Maddocks and Pete Samu have made way for the returning stars, both falling back to the bench as Tom Banks and Ned Hanigan were dropped from the match-day squad entirely.
Adam Coleman will also make his return to the Wallabies side having missed the win over the Springboks last weekend for the birth of his first child. He’s been named on the bench in place of Rob Simmons, with Izack Rodda and Rory Arnold keeping their starting spots in the second row.
Nick Phipps has also been named to make his return on the bench after missing last weekend with a rib complaint. He replaces Joe Powell, who was an unused substitute against the Boks, while Sekope Kepu is the fifth and final change to the reserves, taking the back-up prop position held by Tom Robertson last week.
For the second week in a row, coach Michael Cheika has opted to name Kurtley Beale and Matt Toomua as the playmaking combination at fly-half and inside centre, keeping Bernard Foley on the bench.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Will Genia will once again start at the base of the scrum, and Reece Hodge and Marika Koroibete, the latter of whom recently signed a contract extension which will keep him in Australian rugby for the next World Cup, have both kept their starting roles at outside centre and winger respectively.
Scott Sio, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Allan Alaalatoa comprise an unchanged starting front row, Cheika resisting calls to start Taniela Tupou and instead keeping the young Queensland prop on the bench.
Captain Michael Hooper and Lukhan Tui will line up in the 7 and 6 jerseys once again.
Wallabies team to face Argentina
1. Scott Sio (48 Tests)
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (85 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (26 Tests)
4. Rory Arnold (16 Tests)
5. Izack Rodda (10 Tests)
6. Lukhan Tui (10 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (85 Tests)
8. David Pocock (72 Tests)
9. Will Genia (93 Tests)
10. Kurtley Beale (77 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (14 Tests)
12. Matt Toomua (36 Tests)
13. Reece Hodge (30 Tests)
14. Israel Folau (66 Tests)
15. Dane Haylett-Petty (24 Tests)
Reserves
16. Folau Faingaa (2 Tests)
17. Sekope Kepu (96 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou (5 Tests)
19. Adam Coleman (25 Tests)
20. Pete Samu (6 Tests)
21. Nick Phipps (66 Tests)
22. Bernard Foley (61 Tests)
23. Jack Maddocks (3 Tests)
Earlier today, Argentina coach Mario Ledesma opted to make three changes to the side which performed so admirably against the All Blacks last weekend.
Pablo Matera replaces the injured Tomas Lezana at No.6, Santiago Medrano will start at tighthead prop as Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro moves to loosehead, and Gonzalo Bertranou has been named as the run-on halfback, demoting Martin Landajo to a reserve role.
The clash between Australia and Argentina will be played on the Gold Coast this Saturday at 8:05pm (AEST), and you’ll be able to follow all of the action with live commentary and highlights right here on The Roar.
Pennywise
Guest
Well that (bringing back the "big guns") worked. We all float down here.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
No, I don't. I really like DHP as a player and way back in 2016 was calling for him to be Wallaby fullback. I just don't think he is doing much. When was the last time he scored a try for the Wallabies? When did he last have a try assist for the Wallabies? What kicks has he had at fullback aside from that atrocious one handing back possession? Serious question, I cannot answer any of those three questions.
Phil
Guest
Spot on,Fionn.Which players made the difference when the Wallabies played the AB's?Retallick,Barrett,A.Smith.Did they play against the Argies?
Phil
Guest
Fionn,funny how many of us watch the same games yet see things differently.I also thought DHP looked very competent at FB and did actually beat players.Maybe you just want Banks to be there? Don't get me wrong,I really think Banks can be a special player but I think at this stage DHP deserves a go.
Rugbyfan in WA
Guest
The balance of the team is moving into the right direction, my only issues are TPN at Hooker, Hooper at #7, Pocock at #8? What does Foley offer off the bench? Whats the point of having Nick Phipps there? I know there is a lot of doubters out there but i think the Wallabies will have a strong squad at the next world cup especially if more overseas players i.e Scott Fardy become available. The biggest problem is depth at Halfback. If Genia gets injured then we are F*%#$d. I like Hodge at Center but he needs to stay in the position and make it his own. The reality is that the next world Cup is a race for 2nd and there a lot of contenders for that spot. Really hoping the Argies have strong game this weekend and we have a better match than last weekends (Aus v SA) dire performance.
Dont think so
Guest
It`s a pity we have Hooper who brings nothing to the other hard working 7 players ijn the pack.If he was punted, what a great backrow we`d have.
Kane
Roar Guru
Was he actually long arm penalised for being in front of the kicker at the kickoff?
Gloria
Roar Rookie
If Koroibete gives away another penalty as silly as that offside at the kick-off, he shouldn’t be dropped, he should be taken into immediate custody, escorted from the field and imprisoned.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
+1 Paul. Surely this is his last chance.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Perhaps. I mean, we will find out tomorrow night. But as I've already said at the end of the day they are essentially a Super Rugby team (that came 7th) having to compete with international sides until they get access to their foreign players. I think the Pumas are being unfairly hamstrung.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
No he doesn't?
Gloria
Roar Rookie
*was he getting attention at the time (he was injured shortly before)
Gloria
Roar Rookie
Yes, playing winger will facilitate this option. I think the Argie wingers are going to have their hands full, especially the one trying to mark Folau. Let’s be honest, the AB defence against them was very average. Where was the AB fullback in that first Argie try? Completely out of position. Or I as he getting attention at the tine, because he was missing from the script on that occasion.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
To add to this. This game has to be the one where Koriobete proves his worth, else we need to look for a new 11.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Not denying it, but i dont have the same recollection of Hooper short of fitness in the game. He seemed ok to me. Notebly the only person on the ball for Toomua's penalty off the upright. Even Toomua switched off and started to retreat to halfway. But you forgive the kicker, there should be at least a pod of 2 or 3 players ready to pounce. He shased hard on a ball down the sideline to mop up late also from memory. I think this side has alot to like about it. Also when you think that there are still a few players not available. Have Hodge replace Maddocks on the bench with the more in form of either TK or Kerevi at 13. Add Dempsey to the bench instead of Samu. I also think if he's not starting you could consider replacing Foley with an impact player like Banks, who I hope gets to press his claim in the spring. Despite the games against NZ, I think things are starting to build in a nice trajectory for next year.
Kane
Roar Guru
But Samu is a 7 playing 8 so Pamu offers nothing different than Pooper
taylorman
Roar Guru
Isnt it really just that having Toomua back, something hes not had access to for a while, gives him other options? The Folau move is probably a good one but one suspects if this arrangement goes sour back goes folau in comes foley and out goes toomua. Hopefully Toomua goes the distance this year. This inside pairing still has s looks too good to be true feel about it for me. Again, hope Im wrong as theyre both more fun too watch.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
That’s patently wrong. Check the SA test. He breaches the ad line every time
tsuru
Roar Rookie
Bodger, that is a matter-of-fact sentence that warms a Wallaby heart - "If we also dominate the set pieces . . . " It feels a relief to think that we actually now have a pack that could dominate someone, even an under-performing Puma pack.
taylorman
Roar Guru
A pity Corderos not with them because hes the best of the lot.