Wallabies overhaul entire forward unit and new captain named in massive team overhaul

Brumbies prop Allan Alaalatoa will captain the Wallabies against Argentina after regular skipper Harry Wilson was left out of Australia’s squad for Sunday morning’s Test in Salvador de Jujuy.

Wilson’s No.8 role will be occupied by Rob Valetini in one of eight changes to the forward pack that started in the Wallabies’ last-start 56-17 win over Japan in Townsville on August 15.

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

Apart from Reds star Wilson, who has been “rotated out” of the match-day 23, also out of the team that started in Townsville are props Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell, hooker Josh Nasser, locks Lachlan Shaw and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, and flankers Carlo Tizzano and Charlie Cale.

They have been replaced by Valetini, front-rowers Alaalatoa, Isaac Kailea and Brandon Paenga-Amosa, locks Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams, and flankers Fraser McReight and Tom Hooper.

Prop Kailea will play in his first Test since 2024, while Bell, Shaw and Cale will come off the bench.

While there have been mass changes in the pack, the Wallabies’ backline remains unchanged. meaning star centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will return from a hamstring injury from the bench.

There is no room in the squad at all for Suaalii’s usual centre partner Len Ikitau.

“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,” Kiss said.

Wallabies: Isaac Kailea, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Josh Canham, Jeremy Williams, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Ryan Lonergan, Carter Gordon, Harry Potter, Hunter Paisami, Isaac Henry, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright. Bench: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Massimo De Lutiis, Lachlan Shaw, Charlie Cale, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

Originally published as Wallabies overhaul entire forward unit and new captain named in massive team overhaul