Winger Izaia Perese is inching closer to a Test debut despite being culled from the Wallabies' squad for next weekend's clash with Argentina, coach Michael Cheika says.
Perese, Rory Arnold and Lopeti Timani have been sent home while the rest of the travelling contingent head to Mendoza for their final Rugby Championship match against Los Pumas.
Arnold hasn't played in either of Australia's last two matches while Timani hasn't featured since June, unable to loosen Sean McMahon's grip on the No.8 jersey.
Perese, 20, has looked in scintillating touch at training but Cheika said the Queensland Reds rookie was better off getting actual minutes under his belt in the National Rugby Championship.
"He's killing it," Cheika said.
"That's why I don't want him to stay here and just train.
"He's in a very competitive position. I think he's a guy who can defend in the midfield as well.
"He's got that genuine pace; he's got a great mindset and a great attitude. He's coming along very nicely.
"I'm very happy with him but I want him to play footy. I could have kept him but I think he wants to play footy (too) and I think that's the best thing.
"Lukhan (Tui) got in here from playing footy in NRC and got a look-in - if he was just training he wouldn't have got on the field, so wherever we can, we want them to play footy."
The Wallabies were left with plenty to stew over on their long transit to South America following their 27-27 draw against South Africa in Bloemfontein.
Argentina is the only southern hemisphere team that Australia has managed to beat away from home in the last six years, outside of World Cup matches.
"It is a tough trip, there's no doubt about it," Cheika said.
"We've got a really good plan about how we tackle that and we're excited about tackling the challenge and then going down there. It's a great place to play rugby.
"It's one of the great things about rugby, the fact you've got to come over these hurdles and overcome these speed bumps and we've done it before.
"So we'll be leaning on some of the guys who have to help the younger guys get on the flight, enjoy the flight and then turn up in Mendoza."
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