Sean McMahon’s international return will have to wait another week, after Dave Rennie sprung a surprise by naming Rob Leota for his run-on debut to face Argentina on Saturday.

While James O’Connor will play his first international of the year, with the experienced playmaker named on the bench after returning to full fitness following a niggly groin injury.

O’Connor is one of three changes to the squad that beat the Springboks 30-17, with Reece Hodge starting at fullback in place of the injured Tom Banks.

The final change is in the forward pack, with Rob Leota earning a surprise, though well-deserved, chance at blindside flanker after Lachie Swinton was dropped.

After showering McMahon in praise last week, it shaped like the 27-year-old loose-forward would be brought in for Swinton, who was shown a yellow card during last week’s triumph.

Rennie raved about the shape McMahon was in, saying he was the “fittest” in the squad despite coming out of two weeks quarantine, and had previously said the former Rebel was “my kinda guy”.

While Rennie said he wanted to “reward those who got the job done against the Springboks”, the decision not to select McMahon is curious after Rugby Australia sent him a SOS from Japan.

But his four-year international hiatus will continue for another week, as Rennie turned to the Victorian loose-forward, whose career has been slowed by multiple major injuries.

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Leota, who was unfortunately left out last week, didn’t think he was going to come on against the Boks earlier this month, but after his 10-minute cameo he opened on his journey, heaping praise on his family.

“I was picturing it last night but when it actually came (to go on the field) I reflected on a lot of the people, who had helped me out throughout the years,” Leota said following his Test debut.

“It’s been a pretty tough journey for me, those who know, my family, my friends, those who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Being here is so surreal and actually putting on the green and gold but I never forget my why and my purpose.”

Rennie said the 190cm, 110kg forward, who can play in the second-row but is preferred in the back-row, deserved his spot after impressing in training.

“It’s a really proud moment for Rob and his family to earn his first start in Wallaby gold and we’re all rapt for him,” he said.

“He’s really impressed us with his work ethic on and off the field and worked hard for this opportunity.

“It’s been fantastic to connect with the Townsville community this week ahead of the first ever Test here and we’re determined to build on the past couple of performances on Saturday night.”

Elsewhere, there are no other changes with Rennie not taking his foot off the gas against a hurting Pumas side, who have failed to win a match in The Rugby Championship after impressing last year.

But given the Wallabies were held to successive draws to Mario Ledesma’s Pumas side last year, it is no surprise he has picked his strongest possible side.

The Wallabies haven’t won three straight Tests since 2017.

Wallabies 15-1: Reece Hodge, Andrew Kellaway, Len Ikitau, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Quade Cooper, Nic White, Rob Valetini, Michael Hooper (c), Rob Leota, Matt Philip, Izack Rodda, Taniela Tupou, Folau Fainga’a, James Slipper

Reserves: Feleti Kaitu’u, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Darcy Swain, Pete Samu, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Jordan Petaia