The Wallabies are back in the spotlight,and this time, it feels different. With a sold-out Sydney Football Stadium set to host their Rugby Championship 2025 clash against Argentina, Australian rugby has rediscovered belief, energy, and expectation.
On Saturday, skipper Harry Wilson leads a side that looks nothing like the team that stumbled out of the World Cup just a year ago.
Wallabies’ Remarkable Turnaround
This time last year, the Wallabies were in crisis. A humiliating exit at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, followed by their heaviest-ever test defeat, left Australian rugby at rock bottom.
Now, under head coach Joe Schmidt, the narrative has shifted. Last weekend’s 28–24 win over the Pumas in Townsville was far from perfect, but it showed grit and resilience. Wilson’s leadership at No. 8 embodied a return to the Wallabies’ old mantra: win, or go down fighting.
In 2024, the Wallabies pushed the British and Irish Lions, secured a first win at Ellis Park in 62 years against South Africa, and fought the Springboks hard in Cape Town. Add in the comeback victory last weekend, and the transformation has been remarkable.
Wallabies Team News: Schmidt Backs Edmed
For the Wallabies vs Argentina Sydney test, Schmidt has made four changes. The big call is at fly-half, where Tana Edmed starts in the No. 10 jersey. Veteran James O’Connor provides backup from the bench, with injuries to Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, and Ben Donaldson opening the door for new blood.
“We’ve really pushed discipline this week,” Schmidt said. “We gave Argentina too many chances in the first half. They’ll punish you again if we repeat that. The nerves are good — that edge is something we’ll need.”
Argentina Squad Update: Montoya Hits 50 Tests
Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi has named three changes to his side, captained by hooker Julián Montoya, who will play his 50th test.
The Pumas aren’t carrying baggage from last week’s late defeat. “We reset to zero every week,” Contepomi said. “The squad is in good spirits and preparation has been excellent.”
They arrive in Sydney buoyed by their historic win over the All Blacks in Argentina just three weeks ago, a reminder of their growing consistency against top-tier opposition.
Rugby Australia’s Wider Rebuild
The Wallabies’ resurgence is part of a bigger rebuild. Rugby Australia has stabilized its finances ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil, while loosening selection rules to include overseas-based players.
Depth is also improving. Nineteen Wallabies debuted in 2024, creating competition for places and resilience in key positions. Schmidt insists that giving young fly-halves like Edmed exposure now will pay off later. “The more confidence they build, the better they’ll handle those heated moments,” he said.
Wallabies vs Argentina Sydney: What’s at Stake
Saturday’s match is about more than points in the Rugby Championship 2025 table. For the Wallabies, it’s about proving their revival has substance ahead of back-to-back clashes with the All Blacks. For the Pumas, it’s a chance to spoil the Sydney party and show once again why they are one of rugby’s most dangerous sides.
Whatever happens, one thing is clear: the Wallabies step into this match not with hope, but with belief, and a 42,500-strong home crowd ready to roar them forward.
Lineups:
Australia: Andrew Kellaway, Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, Hunter Paisami, Corey Toole, Tane Edmed, Nic White; Harry Wilson (captain). Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Tom Hooper, Jeremy Williams, Taniela Tupou, Billy Pollard, James Slipper. Reserves: Josh Nasser, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu.
Argentina: Juan Cruz Mallia, Rodrigo Isgro, Luciano Cinti, Santiago Chocobares, Mateo Carreras, Santiago Carreras, Gonzalo Garcia; Joaquin Oviedo, Marcos Kremer, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Petro Rubiolo, Guido Petti, Joel Sclavi, Julián Montoya (captain), Mayco Vivas. Reserves: Ignacio Ruiz, Boris Wenger, Franciso Coria Marchetti, Franco Molina, Pablo Matera, Agustin Moyano, Justo Piccardo, Ignacio Mendy.
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