Australia’s Wallabies are set to welcome back captain Harry Wilson for next week’s second Test against Argentina, following a closely contested 27-21 victory in Jujuy on Saturday. The win marked the team’s fourth consecutive Test victory and moved Australia up to seventh in the World Rugby rankings, overtaking the Pumas.
Coach Les Kiss praised the performance of the starting backrow trio—Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, and Tom Hooper—who delivered strong efforts in Wilson’s absence, with Charlie Cale also contributing off the bench. Wilson was rested for the first Test as part of a strategy to build squad depth and manage player fitness ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Kiss emphasized that changes to the squad are deliberate and designed to foster depth and maintain player health. “Look, the changes aren’t done willy-nilly,” he said. “We’re trying to make sure we grow deep and keep ourselves healthy. I’m really happy with how the forward pack have bought into what we’re trying to achieve.”
In addition to the backrow, prop Isaac Kailea made a notable impact in his first Test start in two years, while bench players such as Angus Bell and newcomer Massimo De Lutiis provided valuable contributions. De Lutiis, who replaced regular starter Allan Alaalatoa, impressed with strong carries despite a minor scrum error that he quickly corrected. Kiss also highlighted the presence of locks Josh Canham, Jeremy Williams, Lachlan Shaw, and the expected inclusion of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto for the upcoming match in Mendoza.
In the backs, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii stood out after coming on at inside centre, forming a promising partnership with Hunter Paisami, who had a strong game. Ben Donaldson was tested in multiple positions at fly-half and fullback as Kiss aims to explore different options moving forward.
Halfback Ryan Lonergan was substituted early in the second half due to a slight head knock sustained after a heavy tackle from Paisami. Kiss confirmed Lonergan’s condition is stable and noted that the substitution was part of a planned strategy to bring on Tate McDermott.
Despite the victory, Kiss warned that Argentina should not be underestimated. In a previous two-Test series in Argentina earlier this year, the Wallabies won the opener but suffered a heavy defeat in the second match, losing 67-27. The coach anticipates the Pumas will come out with renewed intensity in next week’s encounter.
The upcoming Test in Mendoza will provide further opportunities for Kiss to fine-tune his squad ahead of the World Cup, while maintaining momentum in the lead-up to the tournament.