James O’Connor is tipped to regain the Wallabies’ No.10 jumper for Australia’s final Test of the year on Saturday night against Argentina.
Knee and foot injuries have sidelined O’Connor from their past three Bledisloe Cup and Tri Nations outings.
But the 30-year-old is expected to make his comeback as chief playmaker against the Pumas, with the versatile Reece Hodge set to move to fullback at the expense of Tom Banks.
Hodge has been a stand-out during his two appearances at five-eighth, man of the match in the Wallabies’ upset win over the All Blacks in Brisbane and going within a whisker of booting Australia to victory over the Pumas in their last-start draw.
But he’s seen more of a stop-gap than permanent No.10, with O’Connor favoured to return as five-eighth after overcoming his injury troubles.
In another tick of approval, though, Hodge will likely start as fullback after Banks failed to produce his dynamic best in his three Tests starts this campaign.
O’Connor’s inclusion is unlikely to be Dave Rennie’s only tinker after the first-year Wallabies coach has shown a penchant for change during his five-Test tenure.
Lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is available for selection after recovering from his ankle strain and could slot into the second row following a gruelling six Tests in eight weeks for the Wallabies.
The All Blacks have one hand and four fingers on the Tri Nations trophy, with the Wallabies needing to beat the Pumas by 101 points.
It’s a mathematical possibility for the Wallabies that won’t happen at BankWest Stadium.