Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has named the fourth captain of his tenure with Queensland Reds No.8 Harry Wilson to lead the team out against Argentina in La Plata on Saturday night (Sunday AEST).
Wilson’s promotion to become the 90th Wallabies captain marks an impressive year for the Gunnedah junior, given his return to international rugby in July against Georgia after last playing in gold under former coach Dave Rennie against New Zealand in September 2022.
Schmidt used Wilson’s Reds’ backrow teammate Liam Wright as captain in his first Test against Wales, before giving the leadership role to props James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa.
Alaalatoa drops to the bench after captaining the Wallabies in the past two Tests against South Africa, with Taniela Tupou returning to the starting lineup after missing both Tests against South Africa due to the death of his father.
Western Force centre Hamish Stewart is rewarded with his first cap due to the injury of Hunter Paisami and will partner Len Ikitau in the middle of the field.
Harry Wilson becomes Schmidt’s fourth captain of his tenure against the PumasCredit: Getty Images
After missing the Wallabies’ last Test defeat against South Africa in Perth, Waratahs captain Jake Gordon returns at halfback where he will partner with Brumbies’ five-eighth Noah Lolesio for the fourth time in 2024.
Abrasive Brumbies second-rower Nick Frost also returns to the side after missing the last Test in Perth, forming a physical partnership with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.
Schmidt has been pleased by his side’s energy in training in Buenos Aires after back-to-back defeats against South Africa and paid credit to the support the Wallabies are receiving back home in Australia.
