Wallabies name new captain as Hamish Stewart set for debut

The Wallabies have named Queensland Reds No 8 Harry Wilson their new captain to lead the side against Argentina in La Plata.

Wilson will become the 90th Wallabies captain in Australian rugby history, after injury to Joe Schmidt’s first captain. Liam Wright. Allan Alaalatoa has been named on the bench forcing Joe Schmidt into finding a new skipper.

The Reds No 8 will continue his backrow parternship with Rob Valetini and Test rookie Carlo Tizzano which has been a constant during this year’s Rugby Championship.

Elsewhere, former Red and current Western Force centre Hamish Stewart is in line to make his Test debut at No 12 alongside Len Ikitau in the backline.

Stewart has been called in to replace the injured Hunter Paisami in a new-look Wallabies midfield.

The Wallabies are also boosted by the return of tighthead prop Taniela Tupou, who returns after a family bereavement. He will start at tighthead prop alongside Waratah Angus Bell and Reds hooker Matt Faessler.

Halfback Jake Gordon returns to the starting role after being left out of the Perth side following his start against South Africa in Brisbane. He resumes his partnership with flyhalf Noah Lolesio.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “The players have bounced back from the travel and time difference since arriving in Buenos Aires, with today’s training being our most energetic.”

“For us, we know the Argentinians will enjoy vocal home support but we’ve also had plenty of encouragement from back in Australia, which we have appreciated and will try to justify.”

Wallabies team to play Argentina at Estadio Uno Estudiantes de La Plata on Sunday September 1 at 8:00am AEST:

1. Angus Bell (29 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
2. Matt Faessler (8 Tests) – USQ Saints
3. Taniela Tupou (52 Tests) – Brothers Rugby
4. Nick Frost (17 Tests) – Hornsby Lions
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (34 Tests) – Randwick
6. Rob Valetini (44 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Carlo Tizzano (2 Tests) – University of Western Australia
8. Harry Wilson (c) (15 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Jake Gordon (23 Tests) – Canterbury Juniors
10. Noah Lolesio (21 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
11. Marika Koroibete (60 Tests) – Nasinu Secondary College, Fiji
12. Hamish Stewart* – Toowoomba Bears
13. Len Ikitau (31 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
14. Andrew Kellaway (31 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
15. Tom Wright (30 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles

Substitutes

16. Josh Nasser (4 Tests) – Easts Tigers
17. Isaac Kailea (4 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
18. Allan Alaalatoa (72 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors
19. Jeremy Williams (4 Tests) – Wahroonga Tigers
20. Langi Gleeson (6 Tests) – Harbord Harlequins
21. Tate McDermott (33 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club
22. Ben Donaldson (10 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
23. Max Jorgensen (1 Test) – Balmain Wolves
*denotes uncapped