Wilson to lead as Stewart set to debut in La Plata

August 30, 2024
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Ultimate Rugby

Gunnedah junior Harry Wilson will become the 90th Wallabies captain when he leads the side out against Argentina in La Plata on Saturday night (local time).

The number eight has come through the Queensland pathway to become a captain of his country, having represented the Queensland and Australian Schoolboys, Queensland Country, the Junior Wallabies and the Queensland Reds before making his Test debut in 2020.

He will combine with Rob Valetini and Carlo Tizzano on Saturday in what is an unchanged starting backrow so far in the 2024 Rugby Championship.

His former Queensland and Brothers Rugby teammate Hamish Stewart is set to become Wallaby number 986, named to start at inside centre. The Toowoomba junior, who is now at the Western Force, will partner Len Ikitau in the midfield, who will again wear the number 13 jersey.

After missing the two matches against South Africa, Taniela Tupou returns to the run on front row at tighthead prop, joining hooker Matt Faessler and loosehead Angus Bell.

The athletic Nick Frost is another who returns to the run on side and will reignite his partnership with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second row.

Scrumhalf Jake Gordon is also back in the matchday 23, starting alongside Noah Lolesio in the halves for the fourth time in 2024, with Joe Schmidt and the Wallabies coaches making a total of five changes to the starting XV from the side’s last outing.

Marika Koroibete, Andrew Kellaway and Tom Wright make up an unchanged back three from the side’s Test in Perth, with Wright having started every Test at fullback so far this season.

Reds’ hooker Josh Nasser, 24-year-old Ioosehead prop Isaac Kailea and the experienced Allan Alaalatoa make up the replacement front row.

Western Force skipper Jeremy Williams and back rower Langi Gleeson are the remaining forward cover.

Tate McDermott will again provide spark as the substitute scrumhalf, with Ben Donaldson and Max Jorgensen to cover the backline, the latter having made his debut against South Africa a fortnight ago.

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.”

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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 (15 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils

9. Jake Gordon (23 Tests) – Canterbury Juniors

10. Noah Lolesio (21 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings