Melbourne-raised prop Isaac Kailea will play his first test since 2024, named to start against Argentina in the Flight Centre Series Test in Salvador de Jujuy on Saturday night local time.
The 26-year-old forms a starting front row alongside hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa and tighthead Allan Alaalatoa who will captain the side for the seventh time, with regular skipper Harry Wilson rotated out of the matchday 23.
Two-time John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini will start in the number eight jersey, with Tom Hooper selected at blindside flanker, while Fraser McReight returns to the starting team on the opposite side of the scrum.
Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams will reignite their second row partnership, while halves pairing of Ryan Lonergan and Carter Gordon will combine for the second consecutive Test.
There’s also continuity in the midfield combination, with Reds pair Hunter Paisami and Isaac Henry to line up in the centres after a strong outing during the Wallabies win over Japan in Townsville.
The back three remains unchanged for a fourth consecutive Test with Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen on the wings and Tom Wright at fullback.
Billy Pollard has been named as the replacement hooker, having made his Test debut in Argentina back in 2022. He’ll work alongside Wallaby 1000 Massimo De Lutiis and the experienced Angus Bell in the substitute front row.
Brumbies pair Lachlan Shaw and Charlie Cale will play their first Tests away from home as the substitute second and back rower respectively providing them with further Test experience.
Tate McDermott will notch his 56th appearance in gold as the replacement scrumhalf, while Ben Donaldson provides versatility across the backline - as does Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii who finalises the matchday 23.
Wallabies Head Coach Les Kiss said: “As coaches we’ve needed to consider how we manage a long season for players while also providing Test experience in important positions.
“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.”
1. Isaac Kailea (8 Tests) - #975; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (29 Tests) - #958; Southern Districts
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c) (92 Tests) - #896; West Harbour Juniors
4. Josh Canham (6 Tests) - #987; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
5. Jeremy Williams (30 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
6. Tom Hooper (23 Tests) - #964; Bathurst Bulldogs
7. Fraser McReight (44 Tests) - #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Rob Valetini (66 Tests) - #929; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
9. Ryan Lonergan (10 Tests) - #993; Tuggeranong Vikings
10. Carter Gordon (11 Tests) - #967; Sunshine Coast Grammar School
11. Harry Potter (14 Tests) - #989; Moorabbin Rams
12. Hunter Paisami (37 Tests) - #932; Harlequin Rugby Club
13. Isaac Henry (2 Tests) - #999; Kenmore Bears
14. Max Jorgensen (25 Tests) - #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Tom Wright (48 Tests) - #939; Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (22 Tests) - #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. Angus Bell (55 Tests) - #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
18. Massimo De Lutiis (1 Test) - #1000; Surfers Paradise Dolphins
19. Lachlan Shaw (3 Tests) - #996; University of Queensland
20. Charlie Cale (4 Tests) - #976; Beecroft Junior Rugby Club
21. Tate McDermott (55 Tests) - #936; Flinders Rugby Club
22. Ben Donaldson (23 Tests) - #962; Clovelly Eagles
23. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (22 Tests) - #988; The Kings School
Wallabies 31 defeated by Ireland 33 on Saturday July 4 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies 26 defeated by France 42 on Saturday July 11 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies 57 defeated Italy 10 on Saturday July 18 at HBF Park, Perth
Wallabies 35 defeated Japan 32 on Saturday August 8 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Higashi-Osaka
Wallabies 56 defeated Japan 17 on Saturday August 15 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Wallabies vs Argentina 5:00am AEST on Sunday August 30 at Estadio 23 de Agosto, San Salvador de Jujuy
Wallabies vs Argentina, 7:00am AEST on Sunday September 6 at Estádio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza
Wallabies vs South Africa, 5:30pm AWST on Sunday September 27 at Optus Stadium, Perth
Wallabies vs New Zealand, 5:10pm AEST on Saturday October 10 at Eden Park, Auckland
Wallabies vs New Zealand, 3:45pm AEST on Saturday October 17 at Accor Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies vs England, 2:10am AEDT on Monday November 9 at Allianz Stadium Twickenham, London
Wallabies vs Scotland, 2:10am AEDT on Monday November 16 at Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Wallabies vs Wales, 7:10am AEDT on Sunday November 22, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Nations Championships Finals Weekend, Weekend starting November 27
