New captain and changes in scrum as Wallabies name side to face Argentina
The Wallabies name an all-new starting front row for the first Test against Argentina, with stalwart Allan Alaalatoa taking over the captaincy.
The Wallabies have ushered in a new era for their starting lineup as they prepare to face Argentina in their first Test at the Rugby Championship. Coach Les Kiss has retained the same backline that decimated Japan in Townsville, but a significant shake-up lies at the scrum. All new tighthead Allan Alaalatoa dons the captain's armband, while Isaac Kailea makes his debut at loosehead prop after a two-year absence.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa takes hooker duties, while Rob Valetini replaces Harry Wilson as the number eight. Tom Hooper makes his World Cup debut at blindside flanker, while Fraser McReight joins from the bench at openside.
As for Argentina, they press ahead with their familiar lineup that lost out to the Wallabies' world champions earlier this month. Captain Julián Montoya, flanker Marcos Kremer, and several other key players are unavailable due to injuries sustained in their match against the Wallabies. Juan Martin Gonzalez, Juan Cruz Mallia, and Pedro Rubiolo, who also faced the Wallabies in 2025, are also sidelined, leaving Argentina with a depleted squad for the upcoming series.
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