Flanker Scott Fardy has emerged from a fierce Wallabies training session in Mendoza needing plenty of stitches after being elbowed and kicked in the head.

It was the Wallabies' first hit-out since arriving in Argentina ahead of Sunday morning's Rugby Championship clash with the Pumas.

Sporting a couple of decent cuts that produced plenty of blood, Fardy joked that his headgear would cover most of the damage after clashes with locks Dean Mumm and Rob Simmons on Tuesday.

"Mummy kicked me in the head in a pretty benign little drill that we were doing and towards the end of the session, Simmo elbowed me in the head," said Fardy, who continued training with thick bandages around his head.

"It's a pretty disappointing session for me, but I'll be right for Saturday."

The Wallabies suffered a humiliating 21-17 loss to Argentina - the Pumas' first Rugby Championship win - last year in Mendoza.

Fardy said the Australians were better prepared for the Pumas this year from the moment they stepped off the plane and their first session proved that.

"I think last time we had about 12 flights from Cape Town to get over here. I remember being extremely jet-lagged," Fardy said.

"Our preparation has been a bit better than it was last time in terms of logistically getting here and with that comes the really good session that we had today. We were able to fly into it and we're really confident about what we can do on Saturday."

Coach Michael Cheika is set to make several changes to the side that scored a late and unconvincing victory over South Africa last weekend with David Pocock and number seven Michael Hooper expected to start together against the Pumas.

Pocock excelled off the bench at number eight, while half-back Nick Phipps and playmaker Matt Toomua are also expected to start against the Pumas, following injuries to Will Genia and Matt Giteau.

Queensland Reds tighthead prop Greg Holmes is a strong chance for a starting berth, while in the second row, former captain James Horwill might gain promotion to start alongside his Reds team-mate Simmons.

That will depend on whether Cheika sticks with Waratahs giant Will Skelton who was underwhelming against the Springboks.

AAP