Les Kiss promised to cast the selection net wide as Wallabies coach this year, and the new boss is following through on that pledge.
Nine.com.au understands that Kiss will again overhaul his team for Sunday’s (5am kickoff AEST) clash against Los Pumas in Argentina, as Australia attempt to win four straight Tests for the first time since 2021.
Isaac Henry and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. Getty Images
Joseph-Aukuso-Suaalii – Australian rugby’s most expensive player – will be eased back via the bench after missing the win over Japan in Townsville with a hamstring injury.
Kiss will give Queensland Reds centres Hunter Paisami and Isaac Henry a chance to build on their impressive last start together, with fit-again John Eales Medallist Len Ikitau set to miss out when the 23 is named on Friday (AEST).
That will give Ikitau another week to adjust to Kiss’ new style of play after recovering from an ankle injury, while the debate over Suaalii’s best position is bound to continue after being named on the bench for the first time since 2024.
The other big talking point is that Kiss is strongly considering giving skipper Harry Wilson a breather and handing the captaincy to Allan Alaalatoa.
Rob Valetini would take Wilson’s place at No.8 in that scenario, alongside Fraser McReight and Tom Hooper.
Kiss flagged changes could be coming to the back-row when he addressed the media earlier in the week and Charlie Cale could nab a spot on the bench over Carlo Tizzano.
“There are other combinations that we look at with our power and our back-row as well, but we just want to make sure we see how that goes as well and explore some of those things,” Kiss said.
Wilson has missed just one Test since 2024.
The changes aren’t expected to stop there either, with breakout star Josh Canham set to return to start at lock and partner Jeremy Williams.
Alaalatoa is set to start at tighthead prop after being rested in Townsville.
The ACT Brumbies veteran is one of Australia’s most respected players and also filled in as captain under previous coaches Dave Rennie, Eddie Jones and Joe Schmidt.
Argentina has lost three of four Tests in 2026 but always prove a difficult proposition for the Wallabies.
Australia went 1-1 against Felipe Contepomi’s men last year.
“They’re a dangerous proposition. They beat the Lions last year… I’ve come up against them with the Irish team in World Cups, and they’re tough,” Kiss said.
“They have a certain style and a certain way that they can really hurt you in the blink of an eye; things can happen, and then there’s two blinks of the eye, and it happens again.
“They’re a very talented team. I’ve had the pleasure of coaching probably half a dozen to eight Argentinians when I was in London. They’re special athletes, special footballers and when they play their way, they’re dangerous.”
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