Edmed To Start, Paisami Returns As Wallabies Make Four Changes For Pumas
Edmed To Start, Paisami Returns As Wallabies Make Four Changes For Pumas
Joe Schmidt makes four changes as Tane Edmed earns his first Test start at fly-half and Hunter Paisami returns for the Wallabies against Argentina.
Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has made four changes to his starting side for the second Rugby Championship Test against Argentina, including a new fly-half and midfield reshuffle.
Playmaker Tane Edmed will make his first Test start in the No. 10 jersey, replacing Tom Lynagh, who suffered a hamstring injury during last weekend’s 28-24 victory over Los Pumas in Townsville. Edmed partners veteran Nic White in the half-backs as Schmidt looks to balance youth with experience in a pivotal position.
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The Wallabies’ backline sees another significant shift with Hunter Paisami earning his first international appearance of 2025. The Reds centre starts at inside centre in place of Len Ikitau, who has not recovered from a knee laceration. Paisami joins Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the midfield, giving the former rugby league star a new partner after his two-try performance helped seal last week’s narrow win.
Despite the changes, Schmidt has retained the remainder of his backline, sticking with Andrew Kellaway at fullback and the wing pairing of Max Jorgensen and Corey Toole. The trio will again provide pace and counter-attacking threat at their home state venue.
Up front, Wallabies stalwart James Slipper is set for another milestone. The veteran prop earns his 149th cap, leaving him one match short of becoming the first Australian to play 150 Tests. Slipper anchors the front row alongside hooker Billy Pollard and tighthead prop Taniela Tupou, with Tom Robertson omitted from the matchday squad.
In the second row, Western Force captain Jeremy Williams returns to the lineup to partner Tom Hooper, while Nick Frost is rested with a minor back issue. The back row remains consistent, with skipper Harry Wilson at No. 8 joined by flankers Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight.
On the bench, Schmidt has brought in fresh faces. Hooker Josh Nasser and lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto are both in line for their first Test appearances of the year, the latter rewarded after strong performances against the British and Irish Lions earlier in 2025. Angus Bell and Zane Nonggorr complete the reserve front row, with Carlo Tizzano covering the loose forwards. Tate McDermott, James O’Connor and Filipo Daugunu round out the backline replacements.
“Argentina led for the whole game in Townsville until the very end, and we’re very aware of the threat they’ll pose on Saturday afternoon,” Schmidt said. “We’ll need to be better than we were last week. While managing injuries is always a challenge, we’re excited to have some fresh bodies who have been training hard with the group for a number of weeks and are keen to contribute.”
The Wallabies face an Argentina side still frustrated after letting a late lead slip in the series opener. Another victory would give Schmidt’s men back-to-back wins for the first time this season and keep them in the hunt for Rugby Championship honours.
Australia team to play Argentina
15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Corey Toole, 10 Tane Edmed, 9 Nic White, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Tom Hooper, 4 Jeremy Williams, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Carlo Tizzano, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 James O’Connor, 23 Filipo Daugunu.
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