Reece Hodge to start at fullback as James O’Connor return confirmed

Hodge’s shift to fullback will almost certainly mean Rennie has opted to stick with new centre pairing Hunter Paisami and Jordan Petaia.

Paisami had barely played a match at inside centre at club, NRC or Super Rugby level prior to being thrown into the deep end against the All Blacks in Brisbane but he has proved his versatility with the No.12 jersey on.

Matt To’omua would still be Rennie’s first choice inside centre if he was fit but Paisami will certainly give the Wallabies coach something to think about as he will likely play more rugby alongside Jordan Petaia at the Reds next year.

Up front, the only other change expected is the return of Allan Alaalatoa to the starting XV.

Rennie has rotated between Alaalatoa and Taniela Tupou as the starting tighthead prop but he wasn’t pleased with the latter’s discipline in the 15-15 draw against Argentina.

The remainder of the forward pack that started against the Pumas in Newcastle is expected to line up against the same opponent at Bankwest Stadium but on the bench, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto may make his return from injury.

The Wallabies are out to secure their first win in a season-ending Test since 2013.

“The last time the Wallabies won their last Test match [of the year] was 2013, so to end on a positive note going into 2021, 2022 and the World Cup cycle, it would mean the world for the Wallabies,” loose forward Fraser McReight said on Wednesday. “We want to finish this year on a positive note by winning.”

Meanwhile, the Pumas kept a low profile on Wednesday in the aftermath of a controversial day in which captain Pablo Matera was sacked and two other stars were suspended after racist tweets posted by the players almost a decade ago resurfaced.

Talk has turned to whether the Argentinians may “stand down”, but McReight said the Wallabies wouldn’t entertain that possibility in their preparation.

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“If they stand down, they stand down. If they don’t, they don’t,” McReight said. “We’re just ready and as well prepared as we could be.”

Wallabies fans will already have one eye on next season and confirmation overnight the Australians will face Scotland in November gives every indication World Rugby expect Spring Tours to return to normal in 2021.

All northern and southern hemisphere tours were cancelled this year due to international travel restrictions and that caused a serious hit to the bottom line of several nations.

Rugby Australia are hopeful of hosting France in July next year for a three-Test series which would kick off the second year of Rennie’s tenure.

A full Rugby Championship is then expected to be played before the Spring Tour kicks off in November.