Suaalii returns from bench as Wallabies name unchanged backline to face Argentina

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will come off the bench for the Wallabies for the first time in more than 645 days when Australia face Argentina in San Salvador de Jujuy, with coach Les Kiss naming an otherwise unchanged backline following the 56-17 demolition of Japan in Townsville.

The 22-Test back missed that victory over the Brave Blossoms through injury but has been recalled to the matchday 23, albeit in a support role rather than his usual starting berth. Notably absent is 2025 John Eales Medal winner Len Ikitau, who has not been included as Kiss opts to retain the centre pairing that impressed against Japan.

Hunter Paisami and Isaac Henry, who started together at Test level for the first time in Townsville earlier this month, keep their places in midfield. Ryan Lonergan and Carter Gordon continue at half-back, with Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen on the wings and Tom Wright at fullback.

Kiss has made more significant changes in the pack. Isaac Kailea is set to wear Wallaby gold for the first time since 2024, lining up at loosehead alongside hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa and tighthead Allan Alaalatoa. The veteran prop will captain the side for the seventh time, stepping in for regular skipper Harry Wilson, who has been rotated out of the squad entirely. Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight and Rob Valetini complete the loose forward trio, with Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams forming the lock pairing.

“As coaches we’ve needed to consider how we manage a long season for players while also providing Test experience in important positions,” Kiss said. “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.”

The match represents Australia’s first fixture of the tour to South America, and a stern examination of how much momentum they can carry from their emphatic win over Japan.