Allan Alaalatoa to captain Australia in Test against Argentina
Australia's rugby team has announced its line-up for the first Test match against Argentina, which will take place in Argentina on Sunday, August 30, in the morning Eastern Australian time. Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa will be captain, while the team's starting front row will be completely revamped. This was reported by ABC News Australia.
Changes to Australia's line-up
Australia coach Les Kiss has retained the starting backline that convincingly defeated Japan in Townsville earlier this month. At the same time, Isaac Kailea will make his first start in two years at loosehead prop, Brandon Paenga-Amosa will play at hooker, and Alaalatoa will be at tighthead prop.
Regular captain Harry Wilson was left out of the squad as part of rotation ahead of next year's home World Cup. Rob Valetini will replace him at No. 8. Tom Hooper will make his first start of the year at blindside flanker, while Fraser McReight will start at openside flanker. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has recovered from injury and will begin the game among the substitutes.
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Argentina's line-up and team results
Argentina have named the same starting line-up that lost earlier this month to the reigning world champions, South Africa. Pablo Matera will captain Los Pumas. The team will play a two-Test series against Australia without several key players: Julián Montoya, Marcos Kremer, Mateo Carreras, Santiago Chocobares and Bautista Delguy. Juan Martín González, Juan Cruz Mallía and Pedro Rubiolo are injured.
Australia go into the match on a run of three consecutive victories: two wins over Japan and a 57-10 victory over Italy in July. Argentina have played four home Tests in 2026 and secured one win, over Wales; they also lost to Scotland, England and South Africa. In 2025, Australia and Argentina exchanged victories in two matches on Australian soil, and in 2024, in two games in Argentina.
