By Tom Decent
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has made five changes to his starting XV following last week’s heavy defeat to South Africa, with Waratahs star Mark Nawaqanitawase replacing Suliasi Vunivalu on the wing for Saturday’s clash with Argentina in Sydney.
Jones has swung the axe following Australia’s biggest loss to South Africa since 2008 and picked a strong side to face Michael Cheika’s Pumas team who are coming off a 41-12 defeat to New Zealand.
Nawaqanitawase, who scored two tries in his most recent outing for Australia against Wales on last year’s spring tour, will start on the right wing. Marika Koroibete keeps his place on the left wing after being one of the Wallabies’ best in a 43-12 loss to the Springboks in Pretoria.
The only other change in the Australian back line is the return of Samu Kerevi at No.12. Selected on the bench last week, having only just recovered from a hamstring injury, Kerevi will replace Reece Hodge at inside centre this week.
Halfback Nic White and No.10 Quade Cooper have retained their starting spots, while Tom Wright will stay at fullback for a critical clash that could be Australia’s best chance of a victory before the World Cup begins in September.
Richie Arnold replaces Nick Frost in the second row, while NSW back-rower Jed Holloway will wear the No.6 jersey this week.
Tom Hooper, who debuted last week at No.6, has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.
Co-captain Michael Hooper, as reported on Wednesday, will also miss the match due to a calf injury.
The Wallabies centurion will be replaced at No.7 by Queensland Reds youngster Fraser McReight.
Jones has gone with six forwards and two backs on the bench.
Mark Nawaqanitawase. Credit: AP
Angus Bell has recovered from a toe injury to feature in his first rugby match since the Super Rugby season opener in February, while Pone Fa’amausili is the other reserve prop.
Sydney product and Melbourne Rebels back-rower Josh Kemeny is in line for a Test debut off the bench.
“As a squad we’re running a marathon this year, and we didn’t get off the start line like we wanted to but we get another opportunity to find our rhythm this weekend against a tough Argentinian side,” Jones said in a statement.
“We have two Tests on home soil this year, so we have to roll up our sleeves on Saturday and put in a performance that drives Australians to show pride in the Wallabies.”
More to come
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