Which is why Rennie will again unleash Samu off the bench in a Rugby Championship clash with Argentina at North Queensland Stadium on Saturday night.

But there are mixed fortunes at ACT Brumbies headquarters with Tom Banks to miss the Spring Tour with a broken arm.

Banks is poised to miss about 10 weeks, opening the door for Reece Hodge to start against the Pumas with James O'Connor coming off the bench.

Rob Leota starts at blindside flanker with Lachie Swinton omitted, while 29-year-old Samu has kept Sean McMahon and Harry Wilson out of the Wallabies' match day 23 following his devastating run of form off the pine.

MORE RUGBY UNION

"We're really happy for Pete because he got one crack last year, didn't play well, other guys performed and he didn't get another chance," Rennie said.

"He's come back in, he has trained superbly and fought his way in, and backed it up with performances on Saturday. We're really pleased for him.

"He's an athlete. He's the type of guy who could easily slot into midfield, he's got that skill set and footwork. He's very, very quick.

"He gives us a point of difference off the bench against tiring defences. The fact he can play six, seven, eight, gives us genuine flexibility."

While Samu's utility value has aided his cause in the forward pack, Hodge's ability to cover a raft of positions has seen him get the nod to fill the void left by Banks.

Banks' sights will now be set on a return to action in the club's Super Rugby Pacific opener in mid-February, and he could soon be joined in the club's backline by another fellow Queenslander.

Nick Chapman is a 27-year-old utility back who came through the Queensland ranks before moving to Sydney this year, where he featured on the sevens rugby circuit.

Chapman has arrived in Canberra to begin pre-season training, while Hodge looks to establish himself in the Wallabies' No. 15 jersey with O'Connor and Jordan Petaia to start from the bench this week.

"It's awesome to be able to get another starting berth, they've been free and far between over the past couple of years," Hodge said.

"Obviously shattered for Banksy, he is a good mate of mine. It was tough seeing him, especially at the hotel after the game on the weekend in a cast.

"I know he's doing well, he's out of hospital now. It's an opportunity for myself to put my hand up for that 15 jersey now."

THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

Saturday: New Zealand v South Africa at 5.05pm; Australia v Argentina at 8.05pm at North Queensland Stadium.

Wallabies squad: 1. James Slipper, 2. Folau Fainga'a, 3. Taniela Tupou, 4. Izack Rodda, 5. Matt Philip, 6. Rob Leota, 7. Michael Hooper (c), 8. Rob Valetini, 9. Nic White, 10. Quade Cooper, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Samu Kerevi, 13. Len Ikitau, 14. Andrew Kellaway, 15. Reece Hodge. Replacements: 16. Feleti Kaitu'u, 17. Angus Bell, 18. Tom Robertson, 19. Darcy Swain, 20. Pete Samu, 21. Tate McDermott, 22. James O'Connor, 23. Jordan Petaia.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: