The Wallabies have named a largely unchanged squad for their upcoming tour of Argentina, with Len Ikitau the only addition after his recovery from an ankle injury.
Ikitau, the 2025 Wallabies player of the year, was sidelined for the two-match series against Japan in Osaka and Townsville after undergoing minor surgery. His return sees coach Les Kiss "resist throwing any curveballs," as reported by the ABC, with the squad otherwise mirroring the one that secured consecutive victories in Ikitau's first two Tests in charge.
The most notable positional change comes at fullback, where Ikitau's return has shifted Jock Campbell out of the squad despite his impressive shows for the Wallabies this year. Campbell, named the Queensland Reds' best player at the end-of-season awards, has been replaced by Ben Donaldson as the fullback or fly-half bench cover for the next three Tests.
Centre Josh Flook has also been left out, while Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is back in the group after missing the Townsville Test with a hamstring complaint. Suaalii's return creates a congestion of midfield options for the world number seven Pumas, with the position where he is deployed likely to be a telling indicator of Kiss's thinking.
Winger Max Jorgensen will also travel despite coming off with a sore chest in the Townsville match, while code-hopper Zac Lomax remains on the injury list and unavailable for selection. Lock Miles Amatosero is absent from the squad for the first Test, suspended for three games after a red card earned in Osaka.
Maintaining consistency
Speaking about the squad, Kiss highlighted the importance of maintaining consistency in selection following the Japan series.
"As coaches, we've looked to maintain consistency in selection, with the bulk of this squad having laid a solid foundation over the past few weeks through their hard work and connection on and off the field," he said.
"Touring Argentina presents another tough challenge for us as a new group, and it's one that we know will require us to go to another level as we continue to look to build and develop our game."
The Wallabies will play the Pumas in San Salvador de Jujuy on August 30 and in Mendoza on September 6. Argentina's recent home fixtures saw them lose to England and Scotland in the Nations Championship, but they remain a significant threat on their own soil.
Australia's previous two tours of Argentina, in 2022 and 2024, both saw the Wallabies win the opening Test before being beaten heavily in the second match.
Suaalii's role in focus
With Ikitau back, the immediate question is Suaalii's—as Kiss is persisting with him at number 13, yet the coach acknowledged he could play fullback or wing too. Given the log-jam of midfield options, the exclusion of Campbell and Flook hints that Kiss is considering another use for the centre cluster.
"Where Kiss selects Suaalii will be telling," the ABC reported, noting a push from some quarters for Suaalii to shift to the wing at times, a move that would guarantee greater involvement and harness his aerial ability.
Inside centre Hunter Paisami was impressive during Ikitau's absence, solidifying the position alongside Ikitau as a critical pair of options for Kiss.
Other selection notes
Zane Nonggorr remains sidelined with a calf injury, while Massimo De Lutiis is in line to make his first full tour with the Wallabies after a breakthrough period. Tom Wright is set to earn his 50th Test cap if he features in both matches against Argentina, with the squad assembling in Sydney on Saturday and flying to Buenos Aires the next day.
Ikitau, speaking about the three positions, expressed his comfort across all of them. "I love playing both centre positions," he said, "I'll be happy to play 12, 13, or a bench role for the team."
He also praised the contributions of debutant Isaac Henry and Hunter Paisami, suggesting they led the back line exceptionally well in his absence.
The Wallabies' stated ambition under Kiss is consistency of performance, with Ikitau noting the group wants to keep playing well and produce performances they are "proud of".