The last gasp, 24-20 triumph over the Springboks provided the Wallabies with some much needed momentum at the start of their World Cup build-up and now Cheika wants to build on that performance by putting away the Argentinians on home soil.
In one of three changes up front, Queensland Reds veteran prop Greg Holmes will make his first Test start since 2007 against Canada, while Western Force stalwart Ben McCalman returns for his first appearance of the 2015 international season at No 8. The final change in the pack sees David Pocock come off the bench to take over from Michael Hooper at openside flanker.
There are four changes behind the scrum, at least three of them due to injuries. Nick Phipps takes over from Will Genia at scrum half, Matt Toomua comes in at centre for Matt Giteau and Joe Tomane replaces the Rob Horne on the wing.
While all three switches were due to injuries picked up against the Boks, the fourth change is tactical. Quade Cooper drops to the replacements bench and Bernard Foley comes in to fill the No 10 jersey.
“We are fortunate with the level of depth in the squad to be able to cover for the injuries we sustained last Saturday night against the Springboks,” said Cheika. “They all deserve their start against Los Pumas and they now have an opportunity to build on the performance last week and stake their claims.
“We have two fine playmakers in Quade and Bernard. Both players can make an enormous impact on our team.”
Kurtley Beale is drafted onto the replacements bench and will hope to reach his 50th cap, while last season’s Exeter Chiefs skipper Dean Mumm joins him following his return home.
“We know Argentina will provide a physical challenge in this match, and our reserves will have a significant role to play. Last week the bench got us home against the Springboks, and I will be looking forward to an even a greater impact from our players entering game this weekend.”
Australia: Israel Folau (Waratahs); Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs), Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies), Matt Toomua (Brumbies), Joe Tomane (Brumbies); Bernard Foley (Waratahs), Nick Phipps (Waratahs); James Slipper (Reds), Stephen Moore (Brumbies, captain), Greg Holmes (Reds), Will Skelton (Waratahs), Rob Simmons (Reds), Scott Fardy (Brumbies), David Pocock (Brumbies), Ben McCalman (Force)
Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs), Scott Sio (Brumbies), Sekope Kepu (Waratahs), Dean Mumm (Waratahs), Michael Hooper (Waratahs), Nic White (Brumbies), Quade Cooper (Reds), Kurtley Beale (Waratahs)
Meanwhile, another of Wales’ Pool A opponents at the World Cup, Fiji, continue their Pacific Nations Championship campaign with a clash against Samoa in Sacamento this weekend. Ospreys centre Josh Matavesi is on the bench for the Fijian’s third game in as many weekends.
Akapusi Qera returns to lead the side after missing last weekend’s victory over Tonga in Suva. He was injured the week before in the single point defeat to the New Zealand Maoris.
Fiji: Metuisela Talebula; Waisea Nayacalevu, Vereniki Goneva, Gabiriele Lovobalavu, Asaeli Tikoirotuma; Ben Volavola, Nemia Kenatale; Peni Ravai, Sunia Koto, Manasa Saulo, Api Ratuniyarawa, Leone Nakarawa, Peceli Yato, Akapusi Qera (Captain), Sakiusa Matadigo
Replacements: Viliame Veikoso, Campese Maafu, Taniela Koroi, Nemia Soqeta, Malakai Ravulo, Henry Seniloli, Josh Matavesi, Napolioni Nalaga
