Les Kiss explains non-selection of regular Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson

Wallabies coach Les Kiss has explained the decision to rotate regular skipper Harry Wilson out of the matchday 23 for this weekend’s clash with Los Pumas, with Allan Alaalatoa set to captain the national team for the seventh time.

Wilson was named in the 2025 World Rugby Dream Team after some inspired performances in the Lions Series, and in famous wins over the Springboks at Johannesburg’s Emirates Airline Park and Los Pumas in Townsville.

The backrow led by example throughout a mammoth international season, starting in 13 of 14 appearances for the Wallabies. Wilson has been a mainstay of the run-on side since Joe Schmidt took over as head coach in 2024, and has remained in that role under new boss Kiss.

But Kiss has decided to rest the Wallabies skipper for the upcoming Test in San Salvador de Jujuy, noting there is a lot of rugby still to be played throughout the remainder of 2026. Rob Valetini will instead get the chance to start at No. 8 for the third time in 12 months.

“You would’ve noted that there’s a couple of players that we’ve just tried to give a breath over the last couple of Test matches. It’s been a long season. It’s just managing Harry in this match because there’s a lot of Tests to play as well,” Kiss told reporters.

“We feel that we’ve got a lot of experience around that backrow anyway with the other boys in there and certainly some experience with Allan [Alaalatoa] in there as well.”

Wilson led the Wallabies to three consecutive victories for the first time in three years, with the men in gold overcoming Italy in the Nations Championship, and beating Japan in two recent Flight Centre Series Tests.

Kiss has stuck with the same backline that claimed a 56-17 win over Japan in Townsville, but the forward pack is entirely different. Isaac Kailea is set for his first Wallabies appearance in two years, joining Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Alaalatoa up front.

Alaalatoa hasn’t started a Test as captain for quite some time, but will get that opportunity on Sunday morning AEST. Josh Canham and Jeremy Williams are the locks, while Tom Hooper and Fraser McReight pack down on the flanks.

Taniela Tupou scored three tries in two matches against the Brave Blossoms, but the tighthead has not been named. Angus Bell and Wallaby number 1000 Massimo De Lutiis will provide cover for the props off the bench.

“There’s certainly a way we’re thinking just to make sure we design it without being too cute. It’s important we stay focused, but we feel we’ve done that with the experience,” Kiss explained.

“Last time we had two power athletes with Taniela and Lukhan really went well.

“Working the pack in different ways. Charlie had a really industrious game as well last time, and his speed became important to us throughout that match.

“We think it’s worthful exploring this and I think we’re balancing it out okay at the moment.”