Wallabies lose star player for Argentina showdown

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has made five changes to his side for their Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in Sydney on Saturday.

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Co-captain Michael Hooper has been ruled out with a foot injury, with Reds flanker Fraser McReight coming into the starting side.

McReight is joined in the back row by Jed Holloway as Tom Hooper deals with a shoulder injury.

Richie Arnold will also start in his first game after last week’s debut, partnering fellow France-based lock Will Skelton in the second row.

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Samu Kerevi will start alongside Len Ikitau in the midfield following his return from injury.

Mark Nawaqanitawase will play his first game of 2023. He combines with Marika Koroibete and Tom Wright at the back, with flyhalf Quade Cooper and scrumhalf Nic White completing the Wallabies backline.

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WHAT EDDIE JONES HAD TO SAY

“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 have to roll up our sleeves on Saturday and put in a performance that drives Australians to show pride in the Wallabies.”

WALLABIES MATCH DAY 23

Wallabies – 15 Tom Wright, 14 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Nic White, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Jed Holloway, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Richie Arnold, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 David Porecki, 1 James Slipper (c).
Subs: Jordan Uelese, Angus Bell, Pone Fa’amausili, Matt Philip, Rob Leota, Josh Kemeny, Tate McDermott, Carter Gordon.