The Wallabies will be on a high as they travel to the opposite coast to face the Pumas after stealing a late win against the Springboks in Perth. The visitors are fresh off some very creditable performances but still searching for their first Championship win. A bit of rain and humidity looks to be on the cards though it was the same a week ago and neither side seemed particularly bothered by it.
Australia have lost a couple more to injury this week, Wycliff Palu dropping out with concussion and Adam Ashley-Cooper still suffering the effects of a bad stinger. Both hope to return soon but in the meantime Ben McCalman steps in at the back of the scrum with Peter Betham taking up residence on the wing. McCalman’s workrate sees him leapfrog Scott Higginbotham, who is evidently seen as more of an impact sub. Betham brings a bit more pace and x-factor to the wing than Ashley-Cooper.
Another change sees Tatafu Polota-Nau welcomed straight back into the starting lineup after recovering from a medial knee ligament injury. The big banger wins his 50th cap and takes the squad place of Josh Mann-Rea, a last minute call-up a week ago who didn’t see the field. James Hanson drops to the bench after a decent effort against South Africa.
The biggest talking point might be the retention of Matt To’omua at inside centre instead of Kurtley Beale. After essentially saving the game in his brief appearance against the Springboks, Beale was being heavily tipped to get the nod, but he’ll have to wait at least another week. It’s a close call and entirely a tactical decision as it could hardly be said that To’omua wasn’t playing well, he just doesn’t have the same spark with ball in hand.
Head coach Daniel Hourcade has clearly agreed that his Pumas needed more firepower, and has recalled Manuel Montero and Juan Imhoff to the wings. This should indicate a preference to attack the wide spaces where his team has found some success. Rob Horne has at times displayed a bit of naïvety in defense and this could be an area to be exploited.
Suspension has cost bruising lock Tomás Lavanini his spot for a week, with Matías Alemanno taking his spot in the only other change to the starting team. Benjamín Macome comes in to take the squad vacancy. Rotation on the bench also sees Bruno Postiglioni and Jerónimo de la Fuente replace Lucas Noguera Paz and Santiago González Iglesias. Lucas González Amorosino will cover the outside backs with Horacio Agulla finding no place in the side.
Losing Lavanini is a blow and his immense physicality will be missed at the breakdown, though Alemanno is no slouch and should take his chance well. The scrum will be vital for Australia’s chances. They held their own against the Springboks and will need a big game from Sekope Kepu, who faces up against Marcos Ayerza. If they can do that, they should have just enough to eke out another tough win. Australia by 5.
AUSTRALIA vs ARGENTINA
Saturday, September 13, 10:05 GMT, Gold Coast
Referee: Glen Jackson (NZRU)
Assistants: George Clancy (IRFU) & Mike Fraser (NZRU)
TMO: Ben Skeen (NZRU)
