The weary Wallabies' deep injury woes have lifted slightly in a much-needed boost for the weekend's tournament-ending clash with a hungry Argentina.
With more than a star-studded starting 15 already on the sidelines, Australia are expecting some relief on the injury front with powerful trio Digby Ioane, Tatafu Polota-Nau andRadike Samo all set for action in Rosario.
Winger Ioane (knee), hooker Polota-Nau (head, shoulder) and No 8 Samo (shoulder) all suffered painful blows in the second half of last weekend's 31-8 hammering by South Africa.
The trio - arguably the Wallabies' most destructive ball-runners - had initially been in serious doubt for their first Rugby Championship visit to South America but coach Robbie Deans reported on Monday all were recovering well and should be available. "There's a couple with niggles but nothing that should rule them out of selection," said Deans, who badly needs a backs-to-the-wall victory to take the heat off his position.
The Pumas have far fewer disruptions and should name a similar team to that which went down swinging against the unbeaten All Blacks 54-15 in La Plata.
Play Jimungo Virtual End of Year Rugby Tours Compete for prize money and bragging rights in Jimungo Virtual Rugby Tours - our game for the end of year international rugby matches. Simply choose the winning team and margin. Sign up now.
