Coach Joe Schmidt makes just two changes to his squad for showdown with All Blacks

A shellacking in Argentina for the Wallabies hasn’t resulted in mass changes for the next even more imposing challenge.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has held firm and refused panic despite a record last-start loss to Argentina, making just two changes to the squad for the Bledisloe Cup showdown with New Zealand.

Queensland duo Fraser McReight and Hunter Paisami are the only new inclusions to the group that toured Argentina, with both having recovered from injury, giving Schmidt 36 players to choose from for upcoming clashes with the All Blacks.

But Liam Wright, who was installed as new Wallabies captain by Schmidt but only lasted one Test against Wales before succumbing to injury, has failed to recover in time to take on the Kiwis in two matches starting in Sydney on September 21.

Veteran prop James Slipper has kept his place and the 35-year-old is set to break the all-time Wallabies games record when he makes his 140th Test appearance as Schmidt maintains the faith in his squad, with little choice of alternatives.

The Wallabies returned to Australia on the back of a stinging 67-27 loss to the Pumas in Santa Fe last weekend, having led 20-17 at halftime before the home team embarrassed the tourists in the second half.

The Wallabies were walloped by Argentina in Santa Fe. Picture: Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)

It was highest score ever conceded by the Wallabies in 135 years of playing Test rugby, and the first time Australia had conceded 50 points in a half, surpassing the 61-22 defeat to South Africa in 1997 as Australia’s highest points total conceded.

But after the loss, Schmidt said he wasn’t going to “bury the squad on the basis of that half” and has held firm, bringing in only McReight, who has recovered from a fractured hand, while Paisami has overcome a knee injury sustained against South Africa in Perth.

The players will assemble in Sydney on Sunday ahead of the first Bledisloe Cup clash at Accor Stadium, looking to win the coveted trophy for the first time in more than 20 years.

“After getting a much-needed win in the first Test, then making a good start in the second Test, we had a very disappointing final 40 minutes in Argentina,” Schmidt said in a statement confirming the squad.

“The upcoming Bledisloe Test in Sydney offers a great opportunity to turn that poor finish around in front of what looks like being another big home crowd.”

The All Blacks will also hit Australia stinging after being humbled by the Springboks twice in the Rugby Championship, at home and then in South Africa.

Originally published as Coach Joe Schmidt makes just two changes to his squad for showdown with All Blacks