Rennie opts for Sio’s experience against Argentina

MELBOURNE: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has recalled experienced prop Scott Sio for the TriNations clash against Argentina, among one of three changes to the starting side.

The 66test Sio was omitted for the Wallabies’ 2422 win over the All Blacks in Brisbane earlier this month but comes back in as replacement for injured loosehead James Slipper.

Sio beats Angus Bell for the starting spot, the young prop remaining on the bench after making his test debut at Lang Park.

‘‘After being left out in our last

test we got the reaction we expected from Scott. His preparation this week has been excel

lent and his experience will be invaluable against Argentina,’’ Rennie said yesterday.

Tighthead prop Taniela Tupou replaces the benched Allan Alaalatoa in a recalibrated front row, while the versatile Ned Hanigan starts at blindside flanker in place of the suspended Lachie Swinton.

Rennie has left his backline unchanged for the Pumas, who claimed a stunning 2515 win over the All Blacks in Sydney in their first match of the TriNations last week.

Rennie has made a couple of changes to his bench, with twotest Brumbies forward Rob Valetini coming in as cover for the second and back row.

New South Wales Waratahs’ Jake Gordon has been included as backup halfback for Nic White.

Argentina coach Mario Ledesma has kept faith with the players who beat the All Blacks, making no changes to his starting lineup for this weekend’s TriNations match against Australia in Newcastle.

Ledesma has restricted himself to tweaking his bench. Bulldozing blindside flanker Pablo Matera will again captain the side and the experienced Nicolas Sanchez retains the No 10 shirt after scoring all of Argentina’s points against the All Blacks at Western Sydney Stadium.

In the reserves, Santiago Socino replaces Facundo Bosch as backup for starting hooker Julian Montoya, while Toulon’s Facundo Isa looks set to win his first cap since August 2019 after being named as back row cover instead of Tomas Lezana.

Lucio Cinti, who failed to get on the pitch to win his first cap last week, drops out of the matchday squad. Emiliano Boffelli will covering for the outside backs and potentially offer a longrange kicking option. — Reuters