Australia prop James Slipper is poised to become the equal most-capped Wallaby of all time after being named on the bench to face Argentina on Saturday.

The Australians edged Los Pumas 20-19 in La Plata last week and will play them again in Santa Fe.

The 35-year-old Slipper is set to earn his 139th Test cap, matching the Australian record set by former scrumhalf George Gregan.

“It’s a tremendous achievement for James to equal the record of the most-capped Wallaby,” said coach Joe Schmidt on Friday.

“He’s the ultimate team man and I know the whole group will do everything they can to make it a memorable milestone.”

Schmidt has shuffled an injury-plagued backline for the rematch, which he said was going to be another highly physical contest.

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Max Jorgensen, 20, earns his first Test start on the wing. Andrew Kellaway has been moved to fullback as Tom Wright recovers from an ankle niggle, while Ben Donaldson starts at flyhalf after Noah Lolesio was ruled out with a bad back.

“Last weekend was very tough and very tight,” Schmidt added. “We have a few changes after the bruising encounter and know that it will be physical again this weekend.”

The sole change in the forward pack is Jeremy Williams, who starts at lock after Lukhan Salakaia-Loto injured his shoulder. The uncapped Josh Canham has been named in the reserves.

The Wallabies sit bottom of the Rugby Championship standings, chalking up their sole win against Argentina after two losses at home to the Springboks.

Australia – 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Angus Bell.
Subs: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 James Slipper, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Josh Canham, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Tom Lynagh, 23 Josh Flook.

Photo: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

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Src: sarugbymag.co.za