Wallabies prop James Slipper is set to equal the all-time Australian Test cap record after being named to return in Sunday’s (AEST) second Test against Argentina in Santa Fe.
Slipper has been named on the bench for his 139th Test in place of Isaac Kailea (HIA), drawing him level with legendary scrum-half George Gregan.
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It moves Slipper into tied sixth for the all-time caps, having broken the record for front-rowers against Wales in July.
“It’s a tremendous achievement for James to equal the record of the most capped Wallaby,” coach Joe Schmidt said in a statement.
“He’s the ultimate team man and I know the whole group will do everything they can to make it a memorable milestone.”
In further changes, Max Jorgensen will start his first Test for the Wallabies on the wing.
Jorgensen, who turned 20 during the week, made his Test debut off the bench against the Springboks in Perth last month. His inclusion sees Andrew Kellaway shift to fullback for Tom Wright (ankle)
Ben Donaldson also starts at flyhalf after Noah Lolesio was ruled out (back), partnering former Waratahs team-mate Jake Gordon.
The lone change in the starting pack comes in the second-row as Jeremy Williams starts in place of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (shoulder), with Josh Canham in line for a debut.
If he takes the field, Canham’s inclusion in the reserves would make him the 16th debutant for the Wallabies under Joe Schmidt in 2024.
Schmidt has also recalled Tom Lynagh and Josh Flook, whilst Josh Nasser, Allan Alaalatoa and Langi Gleeson round out the 23.
“Last weekend was very tough and very tight,” the coach added.
“We have a few changes after the bruising encounter and know that it will be physical again this weekend.”
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
