Sean McMahon will play his first Wallabies Test since 2017 when he takes a spot on the bench for the Rugby Championship clash with Argentina on Saturday.
McMahon, who was brought back by Dave Rennie under relaxation of the Giteau law this season, missed out on selection last week but will be given his chance in the return match in Gold Coast as Pete Samu moves off the bench into the starting lineup.
Rob Leota, who made his debut this past weekend, is left out of the squad altogether with Samu joining Rob Valetini and Michael Hooper in the back row.
Darcy Swain has also been elevated to the starting side after strong performances as an impact player. He will partner Izack Rodda in the second row as Matt Philip reverts to the bench.
There is one change to the starting backline as Jordan Petaia has won the race to the vacant wing position to partner Andrew Kellaway, with Marika Koroibete heading home to Melbourne after last week’s 27-8 win.
Brumbies hooker Lachlan Lonergan comes on to the bench alongside Holmes and McMahon.
He is joined by utility back Tom Wright and scrumhalf Jake Gordon among the reserves.
Rennie has also rewarded 38-year-old prop Greg Holmes with a call to the bench as reward for his efforts in training.
If he takes the field, five years after his 27th appearance, Holmes will surpass Radike Samo as the oldest player to represent the Wallabies in the professional era.
Wallabies – 15 Reece Hodge, 14 Jordan Petaia, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Andrew Kellaway, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Nic White, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Pete Samu, 5 Darcy Swain, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 James Slipper.
Reserves: 16 Lachlan Lonergan, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Greg Holmes, 19 Matt Philip, 20 Sean McMahon, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 James O’Connor, 23 Tom Wright.
Photo: Archive
