Tupou earns start as Rennie reveals team for must-win Argentina clash
Taniela Tupou and Ned Hanigan have been recalled to the Wallabies' starting XV as coach Dave Rennie searches for additional firepower to match the Pumas.
Tupou hasn't worn the No. 3 since the second Bledisloe Cup clash of the year but he has earned the nod at starting tighthead prop, where he will pack down alongside Scott Sio and Brandon Paenga-Amosa.
The inclusion of the star prop isn't the only change to Rennie's forward pack.
Lachlan Swinton's four-week suspension left the No. 6 jersey up for grabs and Rennie has opted to recall Ned Hanigan.
Hanigan was benched by Rennie in place of his Waratahs teammate ahead of the Wallabies' last-start 24-22 win against the All Blacks but a red card to the fiery rookie has once again opened the door for the 25-year-old loose forward.
The only other change to the starting XV was also forced. Scott Sio will start his first Test of the season in place of James Slipper, who suffered a dislocated elbow at Suncorp Stadium.
Taniela Tupou is back for the Wallabies.Credit:Getty
"After being left out in our last Test we got the reaction we expected from Scott, his preparation this week has been excellent and his experience will be invaluable against Argentina," Rennie said.
While the backs are unchanged, there is some movement on the bench.
Rob Valetini has taken Hanigan's place on the pine and Jake Gordon has been recalled in place of Tate McDermott.
"As a group, we know respect is earned daily and understand the importance of backing up our last performance with another quality effort on Saturday night.
"The tournament is evenly poised and our fate is in our own hands.
"We saw how much passion Argentina play with in their performance last weekend and we’re excited by the challenge in Newcastle."
Wallabies team to face Argentina on Saturday at McDonald Jones Stadium
1. Scott Sio (66 Tests)
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (7 Tests)
3. Taniela Tupou (23 Tests)
4. Rob Simmons (104 Tests)
5. Matt Philip (7 Tests)
6. Ned Hanigan (23 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (103 Tests)
8. Harry Wilson (4 Tests)
9. Nic White (35 Tests)
10. Reece Hodge (43 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (32 Tests)
12. Hunter Paisami (4 Tests)
13. Jordan Petaia (6 Tests)
14. Tom Wright (1 Test)
15. Tom Banks (9 Tests)
Reserves
16. Folau Fainga’a (14 Tests)
17. Angus Bell (1 Test)
18. Allan Alaalatoa (39 Tests)
19. Rob Valetini (2 Tests)
20. Liam Wright (4 Tests)
21. Jake Gordon (3 Tests)
22. Noah Lolesio (2 Tests)
23. Filipo Daugunu (4 Tests)
More to come.
Sam is a sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.