SAN SALVADOR, Argentina (AP) — Head coach Les Kiss has omitted regular captain Harry Wilson from his lineup for Saturday’s first rugby test against Argentina in San Salvador.
Prop Allan Ala’alatoa will captain the Wallabies from the front row in Wilson’s absence.
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Wilson led Australia in two tests against Japan which began Kiss’s tenure as head coach and Kiss says the backrower retains his full confidence but is being rested. Argentina and Australia will meet in tests over the next two weekends in San Salvador and Mendoza.
Rob Valetini replaces Wilson at the back of the Wallaby scrum and will combine in the backrow with Fraser McReight and Tom Hooper. Charlie Cale has been named on the bench while Carlo Tizzano has been omitted from the matchday lineup.
Kiss told media after naming his team that “Harry’s the man” who remains his preferred captain. But he said Australia faces a crowded test calendar and Wilson deserves a break.
Kiss praised the qualities Wilson has brought to the captaincy since he took the role under former head coach Joe Schmidt.
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“He shows his emotion, his footy smarts, he’s a great footy player, has respect of the players, works (hard) every time he’s on the pitch,” Kiss said. “The responsibility of that is massive, but I don’t want it to be a weight.
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