Journal De Bruxelles - Wilson back to lead Australia as Kiss rotates team for Argentina

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Wilson back to lead Australia as Kiss rotates team for Argentina
Wilson back to lead Australia as Kiss rotates team for Argentina / Photo: Philip FONG - AFP

Wilson back to lead Australia as Kiss rotates team for Argentina

Coach Les Kiss recalled skipper Harry Wilson and dynamic centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to the starting side among eight changes Thursday as the Wallabies bid for a fifth straight win against Argentina this weekend.

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Australia posted their fourth consecutive victory -- and third under new coach Kiss -- with a gutsy 27-21 victory over the Pumas in San Salvador last week.

The streak followed six straight losses, and Kiss has continued his so-far successful rotation policy.

"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," he 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."

Wilson returns to lead the team in place of the rested Allan Alaalatoa, forming a familiar back row alongside last week's man-of-the-match Fraser McReight and Rob Valetini.

Experienced props Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou are also back in the run-on side, linking with Billy Pollard in the front row.

Jeremy Williams and Josh Canham continue their partnership as the two locks.

Suaalii will link up with Len Ikitau as the centres for a 17th time.

They last played together in Australia's 57-10 win over Italy in Perth a month ago after becoming mainstays under former coach Joe Schmidt.

Ikitau subsequently underwent an ankle operation and has missed Kiss's first three Tests.

Ben Donaldson takes on the playmaker role from the benched Carter Gordon, partnering scrum-half Ryan Longeran.

Filipo Daugunu replaces Harry Potter on the left wing with Max Jorgensen on the right while Tom Wright brings up his 50th cap at fullback.

Australia (15-1)

Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Filipo Daugunu; Ben Donaldson, Ryan Lonergan; Harry Wilson (capt), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini; Jeremy Williams, Josh Canham; Taniela Tupou, Billy Pollard, Angus Bell

Replacements: Josh Nasser, Aidan Ross, Massimo De Lutiis, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Charlie Cale, Kalani Thomas, Carter Gordon, Isaac Henry

Y.Simon--JdB