"Maybe some guys will get an opportunity. We might try to keep some pairings together, we’ll just see how it pans out." James O'Connor is set to make his Test return this week. If the Wallabies are serious about using the 44-Test utility back – as a two-and-a-half-year nationally topped-up contract suggests they are – time is running out to test him in the furnace of Test rugby. Saturday's Rugby Championship clash is the last before the Wallabies face back-to-back Bledisloe Cup Tests against New Zealand, and it makes sense to give O'Connor a chance to show his wares before the cauldron of an All Blacks match. A super-sub role could be on the cards, especially if selectors change up the back three after last week's loss against the Springboks.

Cheika said he was happy with O'Connor's progress but was still forming an opinion on the best way to use the newly inked Reds back. Loading "He’s been with us, he’s training really well, he’s reintegrated really well, and he wouldn’t be with us if we didn’t want to give him a chance at some stage. It’s a question of when we decided to do that whether it’s this week or in the coming weeks," Cheika said. "He can play multiple positions so that gives him a plus without a doubt around where he can play in any side, whether he’s a finisher or in the starting team and in the squad as a whole. "I’m not going to nail down anything for him just quite yet. It’s the first time I’ve ever coached him so I’m still discovering what he can bring as well."

The Wallabies will be boosted by a number of returning faces, including second row Adam Coleman, winger Marika Koroibete, prop Scott Sio and back Christian Leali'ifano. Veteran hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau has also flown home from the UK to link up with the squad after undergoing treatment on a foot injury. Cheika said front rowers Jordan Uelese and James Slipper had also pulled up well after concussions at Ellis Park, but would have to clear a series of further return to play protocols as the week and training duties progressed. Selectors will also have to mull their strategy against the Pumas, who are coming off a four-point loss to the All Blacks and have set up camp in Sydney for the Test build up. Both teams are coming off long journeys from Africa and Argentina, prompting Cheika to say he was focusing on building on aspects of his side's first outing rather than make major changes in game style.