James Slipper in line to tie Wallabies record as prop Issac Kailea departs squad

The Wallabies have confirmed the departure of prop Isaac Kailea for the rest of their Argentina tour, with James Slipper in line for a return and his place in Australian record books.

Kailea lasted 18 minutes before succumbing to a head knock in the 20-19 win over Argentina in Buenos Aires.

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Whilst the loosehead prop is symptom-free, the 11-day standdown period for a failed HIA will see the incoming Waratah head back to Australia to prepare for the Bledisloe Cup and Queensland Reds prop Zane Nonggorr join the squad in the coming days.

"Isaac Kailea will return to Australia to complete his graduated return to play protocols after suffering a concussion in last night's Test," a statement from the side said. "He is symptom free. Zane Nonggorr will join the group in Argentina."

The absence of Kailea will all but ensure the return of James Slipper, who missed last week after the birth of his second child.

Slipper sits at 138 caps, one behind George Gregan's all-time Wallaby record of 139.

It will then likely see the prop break the record in the Bledisloe Cup series, which starts on September 21 in Sydney.

Western Force prop Tom Robertson is the other option at loosehead, named in the squad after overcoming an ACL injury.

The Wallabies will head to Santa Fe in the coming days as they look forward to a return to dry conditions after another game day downpour.

"We know that in very different conditions, forecast 26 degrees in Santa Fe next week, we’re going to be playing a different Puma side, a very motivated Puma side," coach Joe Schmidt said post-match.

“As happened with the Pumas and the All Blacks (in the first two games), at the very top level, the margins are fine, and that can swing very quickly.

"Even within a game, we saw earlier today, a ten-point margin with ten to go wasn’t enough if a team really finishes over the top.

“I have massive respect for Felipe Contepomi. I have no doubt that they’ll create problems for us next week.”