Key events
Australia are still searching for a regular 10.
It’s bonkers, really. Sure, injuries have played a role, but we’re now into a second coach’s tenure and still no closer to knowing who should get the jumper.
This from Jack Snape is really good:
Australia team
Australia have made nine changes to the side that beat Argentina 27-21 in Jujuy last weekend.
Tom Wright returns at fullback and will win his 50th cap, with Max Jorgensen and Filipo Daugunu completing a new-look back three. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Len Ikitau reunite in midfield, while Ben Donaldson starts at fly-half in his first appearance in the No 10 jersey since 2024.
Harry Wilson returns as captain at No 8, allowing Rob Valetini to move to blindside flanker. Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou return in the front row, with Billy Pollard starting at hooker.
Australia: 15 Tom Wright; 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Filipo Daugunu; 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Ryan Lonergan; 1 Angus Bell, 2 Billy Pollard, 3 Taniela Tupou, 4 Josh Canham, 5 Jeremy Williams, 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (captain).
Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Massimo De Lutiis, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Charlie Cale, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Carter Gordon, 23 Isaac Henry.
Argentina team
Argentina have made a series of changes as they look to square the series against Australia in Mendoza.
Santiago Carreras moves back to fullback after starting at fly-half in the opening Test, with Nicolás Roger handed the No 10 jersey. Rodrigo Isgró and Ignacio Mendy switch wings, while Pablo Matera takes over as captain.
There are changes up front, too. Guido Petti moves from lock to blindside flanker, with Efraín Elías and Franco Molina forming a new second-row partnership. Pedro Delgado returns at tighthead prop, while Tomás Lavanini drops to the bench.
Argentina: 15 Santiago Carreras; 14 Rodrigo Isgró, 13 Lucio Cinti, 12 Faustino Sánchez Valarolo, 11 Ignacio Mendy; 10 Nicolás Roger, 9 Simón Benítez Cruz; 1 Boris Wenger, 2 Ignacio Ruiz, 3 Pedro Delgado, 4 Efraín Elías, 5 Franco Molina, 6 Pablo Matera (captain), 7 Guido Petti, 8 Joaquín Moro.
Replacements: 16 Leonel Oviedo, 17 Mayco Vivas, 18 Francisco Moreno, 19 Tomás Lavanini, 20 Juan Martín Scelzo, 21 Facundo Cardozo, 22 Gonzalo Bertranou, 23 Mateo Soler.
Preamble
Daniel Gallan
Australia are chasing a fifth straight victory under Les Kiss, but the Wallabies have rarely found it easy to win successive Tests in Argentina.
They held on for a 27-21 victory in Jujuy last weekend, surviving a spirited Pumas fightback and the demands of playing at altitude. Now they move to Mendoza, where Argentina must win to square the series and prevent Australia from completing a rare clean sweep on Argentine soil.
Argentina have responded with changes throughout the side, moving Santiago Carreras back to fullback and handing Nicolás Roger the fly-half jersey. Australia have made even more alterations, bringing back Harry Wilson as captain and reshaping their backline and front row.
The Wallabies are building momentum under Kiss, but this is another test of their depth, discipline and ability to respond when the Pumas turn the match into a confrontation. For Argentina, the equation is simpler: start better, impose themselves earlier and keep the series alive.