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Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii returns in rare role as Wallabies name team for Pumas
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It’s been more than 645 days since Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was last named on the bench for the Wallabies, but the 22-Test back will play that role this weekend when the Australians take on Argentina in San Salvador de Jujuy.
Suaalii missed the Flight Centre Series match against the Brave Blossoms in Townsville due to injury, but is back in the fold to face Los Pumas. 2025 John Eales Medal winner Len Ikitau has not been named in the matchday 23, with coach Les Kiss sticking with the most recent centre pairing.
Hunter Paisami and Isaac Henry started together at Test level for the first time in Townsville earlier this month, and the two Queensland Reds backs have held onto those roles for the first match over in South America.
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It’s an unchanged backline after the 56-17 win over Japan, with Ryan Lonergan and Carter Gordon again named in the halves. Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen will line up on the wings, with Tom Wright rounding out the back three trio as the first-choice fullback.
But coach Kiss has made some changes in the pack, with Isaac Kailea set to wear Wallaby gold for the first time since 2024. Kailea has been named up front alongside Bandon Paenga-Amosa and tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa, who will captain the side.
Alaalatoa will lead the Wallabies for the seventh time, with regular skipper Harry Wilson rotated out of the 23-man squad. Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight and Rob Valetimi are instead the three loose forwards, while Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams form the lock duo.
“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.”
Wallabies team to take on Los Pumas
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
Replacements
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
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