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Israel Folau has been named to make his Wallabies return against Argentina, though he will be in unfamiliar territory.
Head coach Michael Cheika pas picked Folau on the right wing for Saturday night’s Rugby Championship clash on the Gold Coast, allowing Dane Haylett-Petty to stay at fullback. Folau was a late scratch from last weekend’s test against South Africa.
Folau hasn’t started a test match on the wing since 2013, and has started at fullback for his last 61 Wallaby appearances. He also hasn’t appeared since injuring his ankle in the Wallabies’ opening Rugby Championship fixture in August.
Star flanker David Pocock – also a late scratch from last weekend’s test – has also been named in the starting side.
Adam Coleman, who pulled out on match-day to be with his pregnant wife Tonia, will take a spot on the bench while Izack Rodda and Rory Arnold earn the starting nods.
There are changes in the front row once again as veteran prop Sekope Kepu rejoins the 23, replacing reserve prop Tom Robertson.
Cheika has decided against starting youngster Taniela Tupou in the front row after his dominant display off the bench against the Springboks.
WALLABIES
15. Dane Haylett-Petty, 14. Israel Folau, 13. Reece Hodge, 12. Matt Toomua, 11. Marika Koroibete, 10. Kurtley Beale, 9. Will Genia, 8. David Pocock, 7. Michael Hooper (C), 6. Lukhan Tui, 5. Izack Rodda, 4. Rory Arnold, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1. Scott Sio.
Reserves: 16. Folau Faingaa, 17. Sekope Kepu, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Adam Coleman, 20. Pete Samu, 21. Nick Phipps, 22. Bernard Foley, 23. Jack Maddocks.
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