Wallabies add much-needed reinforcements for upcoming Rugby Championship matches against Argentina, Joe Schmidt speaks about squad depth

Bracing for two bruising encounters with the Pumas after splitting their twin Tests away to South Africa, Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has named an expanded 36-man squad that includes some new faces and a few more returning from the casualty ward.

With 10 players unavailable because of injuries or head knocks, and giant lock Will Skelton back with his French club side La Rochelle, there were no major surprises in Schmidt’s line-up simply because he picked so many players.

But it remains to be seen who actually ends up taking the field in the first clash against the physical South Americans in Townsville because Schmidt is notoriously secretive about his selections.

The only insight the New Zealander gave into his latest picks was a cursory statement that really gave nothing away.

“While it’s disappointing to lose some players in what was an attritional fortnight in South Africa, we’re pleased to be able to lean into the squad depth that we’re trying to create and welcome back some familiar faces to the group,” Schmidt said.

“Argentina have been in strong form this year with wins over the British & Irish Lions and New Zealand and we know they’ll be very tough to beat in Townsville.”

While his squad included a number of players known to be carrying injuries, or still serving HIA stand downs, some key figures did earn recalls.

Backrower Pete Samu was among the new men added to the squad. He was brought back for the first time since 2023, replacing Langi Gleeson who is managing a sore heel.

Veteran tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa, five-eighth Tom Lynagh and wing Harry Potter were also cleared to come back after they were all injured during the British & Irish Lions’ series, though it’s unlikely they will all be fit for game one.

One of Schmidt’s first choice wingers before he tweaked his hamstring in the second Test against the Lions, Potter remains in the dark about whether he’ll get his position back after Dylan Pietsch then Corey Toole did a great job deputising for him in South Africa.

“It’s sometimes a bittersweet seeing the team win and you want to be a part of that,” Potter said.

“But I think it’s so great that we’ve got the depth in those positions. It’s a really important part of the team progressing on a positive trajectory to have those individual battles for places … there is some serious competition.”

One position that definitely is up for grabs is at fullback after Tom Wright hurt his knee in the second Test against the Springboks, ending his season as he prepares to go under the surgeon’s knife.

Potter is among a number of players, including Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who could be given the nod to replace Wright in the number 15 jersey, but he said he has no idea which way Schmidt is leaning.

“It’s certainly a big, big loss for us. Playing with him is incredible,” Potter said.

“Some of the stuff he’s capable of doing on the field is world class and seeing him sort of sliding through a defensive line is very impressive.

“But, at the same time, the injuries that we have had over the last few weeks, it’s been incredible to watch players and coaches put in players and how well they have gone in so many different positions,”

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Filipo Daugunu and Hamish Stewart were also named, having joined the side in South Africa following injuries to Dylan Pietsch and Ben Donaldson. Queensland’s Josh Canham replaced Skelton while Reds’ centre Josh Flook also got a call up.

The only uncapped player in the squad was Brumbies’ halfback Ryan Lonergan.

The players will assemble in north Queensland on Sunday to prepare for the first match against the Pumas on Sept 6 with the second game at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium a week later.