Harry Wilson will captain a Wallabies side, bristling with eight Queensland Reds, against Argentina on Saturday afternoon in Sydney.
Regular backrowers Wilson and Fraser McReight will be joined in the starting line-up by Hunter Paisami, who earns his first Test cap of 2025 at inside centre. Paisami replaces Len Ikitau, who has a laceration on his knee that has failed to heal enough to take the field on Saturday.
It will be a big occasion with the sold-out sign up at Allianz Stadium for the family-friendly afternoon kick-off.
In the reserves, hooker Josh Nasser and lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto have been selected for their first shot at Test rugby this year as fresh impact from the bench.
Super sub Tate McDermott, prop Zane Nonggorr and utility back Filipo Daugunu are the other Reds on the bench.
West Harbour junior Tane Edmed has earned his first start for the Wallabies, named at flyhalf.
Born and bred in the harbour city, the Test is also Edmed’s first on home soil, having made his debut in Ireland last year and playing in the Wallabies' recent Test against South Africa in Cape Town. He replaces Tom Lynagh who is managing a hamstring strain.
Edmed is one of four changes to the starting side from the team’s last-minute win in Townsville. New face Paisami is beside him.
All-time appearance record holder James Slipper will move just one Test away from becoming the first player to wear the gold jersey on 150 occasions, when he runs out in the No.1 jersey for his 149th match for Australia. He will combine with hooker Billly Pollard and tighthead prop Taniela Tupou in the front row.
Western Force skipper Jeremy Williams returns to the starting second row alongside Tom Hooper, with Nick Frost being managed due to a tight back.
The remaining run-on side is unchanged with Rob Valetini, McReight and Wilson named to continue their combination as the loose forward trio.
Sydney pair Andrew Kellaway and Max Jorgensen will start at fullback and wing respectively, on what is familiar turf at Allianz Stadium, with Olympian Corey Toole set for his first Test in his home state.
Angus Bell and Nonggorr are the replacement props. Carlo Tizzano is again the back row cover.
The replacement backs remain the same from Townsville with McDermott and James O’Connor the substitute halves, with Daugunu providing versatility in rounding out the matchday 23.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “While managing injuries is always a challenge, we’re excited to have some fresh bodies who have been training hard with the group for a number of weeks and are keen to contribute.
“Argentina led for the whole game in Townsville until the very end and we’re very aware of the threat they’ll pose on Saturday afternoon. We’ll need to be better than we were last week.”
1. James Slipper (148 Tests) - #843; Bond Pirates
2. Billy Pollard (13 Tests) - #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
3. Taniela Tupou (62 Tests) - #917; Brothers Rugby
4. Jeremy Williams (17 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
5. Tom Hooper (16 Tests) - #964; Bathurst Bulldogs
6. Rob Valetini (55 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (32 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (28 Tests) - #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Nic White (76 Tests) - #875; Maitland Blacks
10. Tane Edmed (2 Tests) - #990; West Harbour Juniors
11. Corey Toole (2 Tests) - #992; Wagga Crows
12. Hunter Paisami (31 Tests) - #932; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (11 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
14. Max Jorgensen (14 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Andrew Kellaway (44 Tests) - #943, Hunters Hill Rugby Club
Substitutes
16. Josh Nasser (6 Tests) - #979; Easts Rugby (Brisbane)
17. Angus Bell (42 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
18. Zane Nonggorr (15 Tests) - #966; Gold Coast Eagles
19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (41 Tests) - #914; Randwick
20. Carlo Tizzano (9 Tests) - #982; University of Western Australia
21. Tate McDermott (48 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club
22. James O’Connor (67 Tests) - #832, St Joseph’s College, Nudgee
23. Filipo Daugunu (12 Tests) - #931, Wests Bulldogs)
*First club listed for players
