Veteran Slipper set to equal Australia caps record against Argentina today

James Slipper is in line to equal Australia’s record for the most test caps after being picked to play against Argentina in their Rugby Championship clash in Santa Fe today.
The veteran prop was named as a replacement for the match, giving him the opportunity for a 139th cap to draw level with former captain and scrumhalf George Gregan.
Slipper, who made his test debut against an England team featuring Jonny Wilkinson in 2010, returns to the match-day squad after missing last weekend’s 20-19 win over the Pumas for the birth of his second child.
The 35-year-old prop’s selection was virtually assured following a concussion suffered by fellow loosehead Isaac Kailea last weekend.
“It’s a proud moment for me,” said Slipper. “It’s one of those things, you don’t really expect to get that many games.
“I feel like I’ve had a lot of luck. And my timing’s been good and a lot of hard work’s gone into it. So I’m very proud.”
There were three changes to the starting line-up from last weekend’s win and all were forced by injury.
Ben Donaldson, who came off the bench to kick the winning penalty at La Plata last Saturday, will take over at flyhalf from Noah Lolesio, who has a back problem.
Donaldson had a disappointing outing in his last start against Georgia in July and Tom Lynagh, son of Wallabies great Michael, was named as backup on the bench. “It’s a great opportunity for Ben Donaldson. He was the incumbent really from the World Cup,” coach Joe Schmidt said.
“And it’s a great opportunity for Tom Lynagh after having a hamstring niggle he was struggling to get rid of, he’s now 100% so those two, they’re excited to take on the mantle.”
Andrew Kellaway moves off the wing to replace the injured Tom Wright at fullback, allowing Max Jorgensen to slot in at right wing as he starts a test for the first time days after turning 20 years old.
“Max has built his way in,” said Schmidt. “He’s had a couple of runs off the bench, which is ideal for him to gain a bit of confidence and for us to know a little bit more about him. “Once he’s on the ball, he’s an exciting young rugby player.” In the second row, Jeremy Williams comes in for Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who is struggling with a shoulder problem.

AUSTRALIA:
15-Andrew Kellaway, 14-Max Jorgensen, 13-Len Ikitau, 12-Hamish Stewart, 11-Marika Koroibete, 10-Ben Donaldson, 9-Jake Gordon, 8-Harry Wilson, 7-Carlo Tizzano, 6-Rob Valetini, 5-Jeremy Williams, 4-Nick Frost, 3-Taniela Tupou, 2-Matt Faessler, 1-Angus Bell
Replacements: 16-Josh Nasser, 17-James Slipper, 18-Allan Alaalatoa, 19-Josh Canham, 20-Langi Gleeson, 21-Tate McDermott, 22-Tom Lynagh, 23-Josh Flook.