Sean McMahon’s highly anticipated Test return after four years is likely to be gazumped, with 38-year-old Greg Holmes poised to become the oldest Wallabies player to appear in a Test since WWII.
The pair have been named on the bench to face Argentina on the Gold Coast in Saturday’s final Rugby Championship round.
Japan-based McMahon, who is chasing his first Wallabies action since 2017, is back in the fray after Rugby Australia loosened its eligibility laws.
Still just 27, the 26-Test talent could play a significant role with the 2023 World Cup looming.
But his return pales in comparison to evergreen prop Holmes, who last played in 2016 after debuting in 2005.
Returning to Super Rugby, with the Western Force, after four years in England, the former Queensland Reds great recently got chatting to coach Dave Rennie about joining the national squad to observe in a coaching capacity.
No sooner was Rennie calling to offer much more than that after Pone Fa’amausili was injured and fellow front-rower Allan Alaalatoa was preparing to leave camp to be with his pregnant wife.
Holmes, who Rennie said gave the side “more experience and nous in the tighthead role” to counter Argentina and is now a consideration for the Wallabies’ end-of-season Tour despite him too expecting a child in coming weeks.
“He’s gone really well … absolutely (age is no barrier) but he’s got the advantage of being here,” Rennie said
“He’s come home, played good footy for the Force.
“There was a massive roar from the lads (when selected), he’s such a popular character but it’s not a sentimental selection, it’s based on what we need.”
Meanwhile, Jordan Petaia will take the rested Marika Koroibete’s place on the wing while flanker Pete Samu will also return to the starting side.
Reece Hodge will start at fullback again, with winger Tom Wright, hooker Lachlan Lonergan and halfback Jake Gordon new additions among the reserves.
Locks Darcy Swain push Matt Philip to the bench alongside James O’Connor, who will again provide cover for No.10 Quade Cooper.
Tate McDermott and Tom Robertson have lost their bench spots while No.6 Rob Leota has been left out altogether despite Rennie insisting he had been pleased with all three last weekend.
The Cbus Super Stadium clash was sold out, but will be reduced to 75 per cent capacity after the latest string of COVID-19 cases in Queensland.
The Wallabies will face an Argentina side missing six players who have been locked out of the state after a day-trip across the border to Byron Bay on Wednesday went horribly wrong.
A win would secure Australia their maiden four-game Rugby Championship winning streak and first in Test matches since 2017.
It will be the last chance to mount a case for game-day selection for Australia’s remaining four Tests this year.
The Wallabies will play Japan in Oita next month before heading to the UK where they’ll meet Scotland, England and Wales.
Wallabies: Reece Hodge, Jordan Petaia, Len Ikitau, Samu Kerevi, Andrew Kellaway, Quade Cooper, Nic White, Rob Valetini, Michael Hooper (c), Pete Samu, Darcy Swain, Izack Rodda, Taniela Tupou, Folau Fainga’a, James Slipper. Res: Lachlan Lonergan, Angus Bell, Greg Holmes, Matt Philip, Sean McMahon, Jake Gordon, James O’Connor, Tom Wright.
AAP
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