Donaldson given rare start as Kiss rings in mass changes for Wallabies

September 4, 2026 — 7:12amWestern Force five-eighth Ben Donaldson has been placed in the driver’s seat by the Wallabies for the first time in two years after Les Kiss again rang in mass changes for the second Test against Argentina in Mendoza.The Wallabies coach has made eight changes to the starting side – and 14 overall – that beat the Pumas in Jujuy last week, with an all-new front-row, Harry Wilson returning as captain in the backrow and big changes in the key spots of the Wallabies’ backline.Ben Donaldson scoring against Italy in July.Getty ImagesAs forecast, Donaldson has been given a shot in the No.10 jersey, which will be his first appearance in the starting role since the second Test against Argentina in 2024 in Santa Fe, which the Wallabies lost 67-27. It is the highest score ever conceded by Australia.The man Donaldson replaced, Carter Gordon, has overcome a minor calf issue and will come off the bench.The Wallabies midfield has also been entirely swapped out, with Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii named to start. They have replaced Hunter Paisami and Isaac Henry, but the latter has been named on the bench in No.23.Ryan Lonergan recovered from a knock in the Jujuy win to start at halfback, but Kalani Thomas has replaced the injured Tate McDermott on the bench. Filipo Daugunu has also earned a start on the wing, with Harry Potter dropping out.Up front, an all-new starting front-row of Angus Bell, Billy Pollard and Taniela Tupou have been given the run-on duties, and replacing Isaac Kailea, Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Allan Alaalatoa. All three have been rested entirely, with Josh Nasser, Aidan Ross and Massimo de Lutiis named on the bench.Wilson, who was rested for the last Test, has returned in the hotly contested backrow. Tom Hooper has been left out of the side altogether with an injury.Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has been named on the bench as lock cover, replacing Lachie Shaw.“After a physical Test last week, we’ve brought in some fresh bodies alongside some existing combinations as we continue to look to build Test experience across the group,” Kiss said in a statement.“We’re expecting a strong response from Argentina on Saturday and we know we will need to keep stepping up our game in all areas.”More to come Iain Payten is a senior sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.From our partners