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Wallabies squad: Les Kiss handed major boost as star backline duo named for Argentina tour

Planet Rugby · David Skippers · 2026-08-19T09:31:34+00:00 · nguồn gốc

Wallabies squad: Les Kiss handed major boost as star backline duo named for Argentina tour Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii have been ruled fit and included in Wallabies head coach Les Kiss’ 34-man squad for their upcoming tour of Argentina. The two midfielders’ return headlines a settled squad that registered back-to-back victories over Japan in Osaka and Townsville earlier this month. Australia are set to take on Argentina in two Tests in San Salvador de Jujuy on August 30 and Mendoza on September 5 respectively. Ikitau was ruled out of the Wallabies’ triumphs against the Brave Blossoms after sustaining an ankle injury during his team’s 57-10 Nations Championship victory over Italy in Perth last month. Australia’s 2025 John Eales Medal recipient recently returned to the Brumbies after completing a short-term sabbatical stint with PREM Rugby outfit Exeter Chiefs during the 2025/26 season. Meanwhile, Suaalii was ruled out of the Wallabies’ triumph over Japan in Townsville with a hamstring strain, after featuring in their first four Tests of the year. “As coaches, we’ve looked to maintain consistency in selection with the bulk of this squad having laid a solid foundation over the past few weeks, through their hard work and connection on and off the field,” said Kiss. Another tough challenge “Touring Argentina presents another tough challenge for us as a new group, and it’s one that we know will require us to go to another level as we continue to look to build and develop our game.” Ikitau and Suaalii’s return to the Wallabies squad means Jock Campbell and Josh Flook drop out of the group. Recent Test debutant Massimo De Lutiis retains his spot in the squad, becoming Wallaby number 1000 against Japan in Townsville last weekend. It was a memorable debut for the front-row forward as he crossed the whitewash and was one of five front-rowers to score in that encounter. Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for world-class coverage you can trust. In other squad news, Zane Nonggorr (prop) was ruled out of the tour to Argentina due to injury, while Miles Amatosero (lock) also misses out on the trip as he serves the final two games of his suspension. That means Exeter Chiefs utility forward Tom Hooper will remain with the squad, and he is one of two overseas-based players in the group along with Racing 92 prop Taniela Tupou. Full-back Tom Wright could make his 50th Test appearance for Australia if he features in both Tests, as he currently has 48 caps. The squad, which consists of 19 forwards and 15 backs, will assemble in Sydney on Saturday before departing for Buenos Aires on Sunday. Wallabies squad for their tour to Argentina Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Charlie Cale, Josh Canham, Massimo de Lutiis, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson (c) Backs: Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Carter Gordon, Isaac Henry, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Declan Meredith, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Tom Wright READ MORE: Michael Cheika’s Australian Rugby return confirmed: ‘Always occupied a special place for me’