Len Ikitau returns as Wallabies shake up starting side for Los Pumas

Len Ikitau hasn’t played for the Wallabies since July 18, but the reigning John Eales Medal winner will make his long-awaited return to the Test arena after being named to start alongside Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii against Los Pumas in Mendoza.

Ikitau missed both Flight Centre Series matches against the Brave Blossoms due to injury, with Hunter Paisami instead stringing a series of starts together. But Paisami has been rotated out of the matchday 23 this week, with Ikitau set for his 54^th Wallabies appearance.

It’ll be the first time Ikitau plays for the national team under relatively new coach Les Kiss, who is unbeaten from three Tests so far. The Wallabies are looking to win five straight for the first time in five years too, at a venue they’ve found some success at in the past.

Coach Kiss has made some key changes after the 27-21 victory against Los Pumas last weekend, with skipper Harry Wilson returning to the fold. Wilson leads the side from No. 8, with Rob Valetini shifting to blindside flanker.

But Tom Hooper, who was one of the standouts in the six-point triumph in Jujuy, has not been selected in the 23. Fraser McReight is coming off a Player of the Match-calibre performance, holding onto the starting spot at openside flanker.

Also in the forwards, Allan Alaalatoa has been replaced by Taniela Tupou, who scored three tries in two matches against Japan. Angus Bell and Billy Pollard are the other front-rowers, while Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams have retained their spots at lock.

In the backs, Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson have switched places, with ‘Dono’ coming into the run-on side to partner Ryan Lonergan in the halves. Ikitau and Suaalii are the midfield pairing, with Isaac Henry providing cover off the bench.

Fillipo Daugunu has been brought into the starting side on one wing, with Max Jorgnsen on the other and fullback Tom Wright brings up the 50-Test milestone. Kiss has gone with a 5-3 bench split, with Kalani Thomas set for his second appearance in Wallaby gold.

“After a physical Test last week, we’ve brought in some fresh bodies alongside some existing combinations as we continue to look to build Test experience across the group,” Kiss said.

“We’re expecting a strong response from Argentina on Saturday and we know we will need to keep stepping up our game in all areas.”

Wallabies team to play Los Pumas in Mendoza

1. Angus Bell (56 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
2. Billy Pollard (23 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
3. Taniela Tupou (72 Tests – #917; Brothers Rugby
4. Josh Canham (7 Tests) – #987; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
5. Jeremy Williams (31 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
6. Rob Valetini (67 Tests) – #929; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (45 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (41 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Ryan Lonergan (11 Tests) – #993; Tuggeranong Vikings
10. Ben Donaldson (24 Tests) – #962; Clovelly Eagles
11. Filipo Daugunu (23 Tests) – #931; Wests Bulldogs
12. Len Ikitau (53 Tests) – #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (23 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
14. Max Jorgensen (26 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Tom Wright (49 Tests) – #939; Clovelly Eagles
Replacements
16. Josh Nasser (15 Tests) – #979; Easts Rugby (Brisbane)
17. Aidan Ross (5 Tests) – #994; Bond University
18. Massimo De Lutiis (2 Tests) – #1000; Surfers Paradise Dolphins
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (46 Tests) – #914; Randwick Rugby
20. Charlie Cale (5 Tests) – #976; Beecroft Junior Rugby Club
21. Kalani Thomas (1 Test) – #995; Springfield Hawks
22. Carter Gordon (12 Tests) – #967; Sunshine Coast Grammar School
23. Isaac Henry (3 Tests) – #999; Kenmore Bears