Ikitau ends injury absence as Wallabies ring changes for second Los Pumas Test

Len Ikitau will make his first Wallabies appearance since July 18 when Australia face Argentina in Mendoza on Saturday, with coach Les Kiss naming the John Eales Medal winner to start at inside centre alongside Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for the second Test of the series.

Ikitau missed both Flight Centre Series matches against Japan through injury, with Hunter Paisami filling the role in his absence. Paisami has been left out of the matchday 23 entirely this week as Ikitau lines up for his 54th Test cap — and his first under Kiss, who remains unbeaten through three matches in charge.

The Wallabies are chasing five consecutive wins for the first time in five years, and Kiss has rotated his squad following last weekend’s 27-21 victory in Jujuy. Captain Harry Wilson returns at number eight, pushing Rob Valetini across to blindside flanker. Notably, Tom Hooper — one of the standouts in that six-point win — has been omitted from the 23 altogether.

In the front row, Taniela Tupou replaces Allan Alaalatoa at tighthead. Tupou scored three tries across the two Tests against Japan and starts alongside Angus Bell and Billy Pollard, with Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams retained at lock. Fraser McReight, who delivered a Player of the Match-calibre display in Jujuy, keeps his place at openside flanker.

The backs have also been reshuffled. Ben Donaldson comes in at fly-half to partner Ryan Lonergan, with Carter Gordon dropping to the bench. Fillipo Daugunu starts on one wing and Max Jorgensen on the other, while fullback Tom Wright reaches his 50th Test cap. Kalani Thomas is set for only his second appearance in Wallaby gold from the bench, as Kiss opts for a 5-3 forward-to-back split.

“After a physical Test last week, we’ve brought in some fresh bodies alongside some existing combinations as we continue to look to build Test experience across the group,” Kiss said. “We’re expecting a strong response from Argentina on Saturday and we know we will need to keep stepping up our game in all areas.”