Argentina v Australia: James Slipper to equal George Gregan record as Joe Schmidt changes four for Santa Fe Test
James Slipper leads out the Wallabies.
Veteran prop James Slipper will equal George Gregan’s appearance record of 139 Tests when he comes off the bench to face Argentina in Santa Fe this weekend.
Slipper has been named as the replacement for star man Angus Bell who starts at tighthead with Taniela Tupou and hooker Matt Faessler in the front-row.
There is a new look second-row with Jeremy Williams and Nick Frost teaming up while the back-row remains the same with Harry Wilson leading the team alongside flanks Carlo Tizzano and Rob Valetini.
New pivot
Jake Gordon remains the starting scrum-half with Ben Donaldson his new partner this week. The centres have not changed as the dynamic Len Ikitau pairs up with Hamish Stewart. Young sensation Max Jorgensen gets his first start on the right wing with Marika Kooibete and Andrew Kellaway completing the back-three.
Josh Nasser and Allan Alaalatoa join Slipper as front-row options on the bench as Langi Gleeson and possible debutant Josh Canham round out the forward replacements.
Tate McDermott is the replacement scrum-half with Tom Lynagh and Josh Flook rounding out the matchday 23.
Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt is expecting a tough game, one that the group wants to play for Slipper.
“Last weekend was very tough and very tight. We have a few changes after the bruising encounter and know that it will be physical again this weekend.”
“It’s a tremendous achievement for James to equal the record of the most capped Wallaby. He’s the ultimate team man and I know the whole group will do everything they can to make it a memorable milestone.”
Lineup
Australia: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Angus Bell
Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 James Slipper, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Josh Canham, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Tom Lynagh, 23 Josh Flook
Date: Saturday, 7 September
Venue: Brigadier Estanislao Lopez Stadium, Santa Fe
Local kick-off: 16:00
GMT kick-off: 19:00
NZL kick-off: 7:00 (Sunday, 8 September)
AUS (AEST) kick-off: 5:00 (Sunday, 8 September)
RSA kick-off: 21:00
ARG kick-off: 16:00
Venue: Estadio Brigadier Estanislao Lopez, Santa Fé
Referee: Pierre Brousset (FFR)
Assistant Referees: Ben O’Keeffe (NZR), James Doleman (NZR)
TMO: Marius Jonker (SARU)
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