Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa has been named captain as coach Les Kiss names his squad to face Argentina in Salvador de Jujuy on Sunday (AEST).
It comes with Waratahs prop Isaac Kailea in line for his first Test in close to two years after his recall to the Test side.
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Alaalatoa skippers the team for the seventh time at Test level as Kiss continues his forward rotation, giving regular skipper Harry Wilson the week off.
“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 move sees Tom Hooper return from a shoulder injury for his second appearance and first start of 2026, with Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight back in the back-row.
Meanwhile, it's a special moment for Kailea, the Chilean-heritage prop last pulling on the gold jersey in December 2024 against Ireland.
He is joined by Alaalatoa and Brandon Paenga-Amosa, who makes his fifth appearance in gold in 2026.
Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams resume their partnership in the second row, with the pair starting all three Nations Championship Test matches.
The Wallabies will roll out the same backline that defeated Japan in Townsville, resisting the urge to make changes.
This lets Hunter Paisami and Isaac Henry keep their midfield partnership, despite the return of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Len Ikitau to the squad.
Suaalii has been named on the bench for his return from a hamstring injury, as Ikitau is given another week to be free of his ankle issue.
Further changes to the replacements include trio Angus Bell, Lachlan Shaw and Charlie Cale reverting to finishing roles.
In other news, the Wallabies have also confirmed Dylan Pietsch has returned to Australia with a foot issue, replaced by Jock Campbell.
Pietsch started in the first two Tests of the year against Ireland and France, scoring in the opener.
As for Campbell, it comes after he was a surprise omission for the two-Test tour of Argentina following his recall to start the season.
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
