Wallaby number 843, James Slipper is set to equal George Gregan’s record of 139 Tests for the Wallabies when the side takes on Argentina in Santa Fe on Sunday morning AEST.
A Gold Coast junior, the now 35-year-old made his Wallabies debut in 2010 and has been named as the replacement loosehead prop, in a substitute front row that also features Allan Alaalatoa and Josh Nasser.
There are just four changes to the starting side that defeated Los Pumas by one point in La Plata, with Max Jorgensen earning his first start, having celebrated his 20th birthday earlier in the week. He’ll line up on the right wing, with Andrew Kellaway starting at fullback for the first time in 2024, while Marika Koroibete remains on the left edge.
Western Force skipper Jeremy Williams earns a start in the second row alongside Nick Frost, with an unchanged back row of Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini and Harry Wilson named for the Rugby Championship clash. Number eight, Wilson will captain the side for a second straight week.
Angus Bell will look to continue his strong return from injury as the starting loosehead prop, combining again in the front row with hooker Matt Faessler and tighthead Taniela Tupou, in what will be the first Test between the two sides in Santa Fe.
Last weekend’s match winner Ben Donaldson will start at flyhalf for the first time this year, after Noah Lolesio was ruled out with tightness across the upper back. He’ll partner Jake Gordon who starts at scrumhalf.
Melbourne product Josh Canham is in line to become Wallaby number 987 and the 16th debutant in 2024, selected as the replacement lock, with Langi Gleeson the replacement back rower.
Queensland duo Tate McDermott and Tom Lynagh are the substitute halves, with Josh Flook named on the pine for what would be his third Test in his debut international season.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “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.”
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1. Angus Bell (30 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
2. Matt Faessler (9 Tests) – USQ Saints
3. Taniela Tupou (53 Tests) – Brothers Rugby
4. Nick Frost (18 Tests) – Hornsby Lions
5. Jeremy Williams (5 Tests) – Wahroonga Tigers
6. Rob Valetini (45 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Carlo Tizzano (3 Tests) – University of Western Australia
8. Harry Wilson (16 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Jake Gordon (24 Tests) – Canterbury Juniors
10. Ben Donaldson (11 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
11. Marika Koroibete (61 Tests) – Nasinu Secondary College, Fiji
12. Hamish Stewart (1 Test) – Toowoomba Bears
13. Len Ikitau (32 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
14. Max Jorgensen (2 Tests) – Balmain Wolves
15. Andrew Kellaway (32 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby
Substitutes
16. Josh Nasser (5 Tests) – Easts Tigers
17. James Slipper (138 Tests) – Bond Pirates
18. Allan Alaalatoa (73 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors
19. Josh Canham* – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
20. Langi Gleeson (7 Tests) – Harbord Harlequins
21. Tate McDermott (34 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club
22. Tom Lynagh (2 Tests) – University of Queensland
23. Josh Flook (2 Tests) – Brothers Rugby
*denotes uncapped
Wallabies 25 defeated Wales 16, Saturday July 6 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies 36 defeated Wales 28 on Saturday July 13 at AAMI Park, Melbourne
Wallabies 40 defeated Georgia 29 on Saturday July 20 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies 7 defeated by South Africa 33, Saturday August 10 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies v South Africa, 5:45pm AWST, Saturday August 17 at Optus Stadium, Perth
Wallabies v Argentina, 8:00 am AEST, Sunday September 1 at Estadio Uno, La Plata
Wallabies v Argentina, 5:00 am AEST, Sunday September 8 at Estadio Colon, Santa Fe
Wallabies v New Zealand, 3:45pm AEST, Saturday September 21 at Accor Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies v New Zealand, 5:05pm AEST, Saturday September 28 at Sky Stadium, Wellington
Wallabies v England, 2:10am AEDT, Sunday November 10, Twickenham, London
Wallabies v Wales, 3:10am AEDT, Monday November 18, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Wallabies v Scotland, 12:40am AEDT, Monday November 25, Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Wallabies v Ireland, 2:10am, Sunday December 1, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
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