Australia Name Team For Argentina

 

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has named back-rower Sean McMahon and prop Greg Holmes to make their international returns in Saturday's match against Argentina on the Gold Coast.

McMahon will make his return via the bench, which will be his first appearance in the gold jersey since November 2017 against Scotland.

He is joined by Holmes, with the 38-year-old becoming the oldest player to play for the Wallabies since World War II.

Along with this, Darcy Swain and Pete Samu have been elevated to the starting side after strong performances from the bench.

Swain will partner Izack Rodda as Matt Philip reverts to the bench whilst Samu comes into blindside flanker alongside Michael Hooper and Rob Valetini in the back-row.

“Pete’s been outstanding for us coming on as a replacement in the past few Tests and has earned his opportunity to show what he’s capable of from the kick off this weekend," Rennie said in a statement.

“Both Greg and Sean have worked extremely hard on the field and around their detail off the field and they’re both super excited to represent their country again on Saturday evening.

“We’ve felt really well supported during all of our Tests in Australia this year and we’re looking to finishing the Rugby Championship."

There is one change to the starting backline as Jordan Petaia has won the race to the vacant wing position to partner Andrew Kellaway, with Marika Koroibete heading home to Melbourne after last week's 27-8 win.

Brumbies hooker Lachlan Lonergan comes onto the bench alongside Holmes and McMahon.

He is joined by Brumbies teammate Tom Wright and Waratahs scrumhalf Jake Gordon.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed the venue capacity for Cbus Super Stadium has been reduced to 75% for Saturday night, in line with Queensland Health's Level Two protocols.

Rugby Australia has confirmed the reduced capacity will work on a ‘first-in’ basis from when tickets were purchased. Ticket holders affected will receive communication via email in the next 24 hours and will be issued a refund.

Wallabies team to play Argentina at Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast on Saturday 2 October.

1. James Slipper (109 Tests)

2. Folau Fainga’a (20 Tests)

3. Taniela Tupou (34 Tests)

4. Izack Rodda (29 Tests)

5. Darcy Swain (8 Tests)

6. Pete Samu (14 Tests)

7. Michael Hooper (c) (114 Tests)

8. Rob Valetini (13 Tests)

9. Nic White (42 Tests)

10. Quade Cooper (73 Tests)

11. Andrew Kellaway (8 Tests)

12. Samu Kerevi (37 Tests)

13. Len Ikitau (8 Tests)

14. Jordan Petaia (13 Tests)

15. Reece Hodge (52 Tests)

Replacements

16. Lachlan Lonergan (3 Tests)

17. Angus Bell (11 Tests)

18. Greg Holmes (27 Tests)

19. Matt Philip (18 Tests)

20. Sean McMahon (26 Tests)

21. Jake Gordon (9 Tests)

22. James O’Connor (56 Tests)

23. Tom Wright (5 Tests)