Wallabies front row stalwart Scott Sio marvels at the athleticism of fellow prop Taniela Tupou and believes the boom youngster can handle a Test start.
The 22-year-old Tongan-born Queensland Reds forward has so far earned all five of his caps off the bench.
Tupou, whose Test debut came against Scotland last November, was a stand out performer for the Reds in their unsuccessful Super Rugby campaign.
He was used off the bench in all three June Tests against Ireland and again in the Rugby Championship clash with South Africa last week once he recovered from injury.
Tupou's impact as a reserve has prompted suggestions the big, but mobile, forward could be ready for a start, possibly as soon as Saturday's Rugby Championship Test with Argentina on the Gold Coast.
The Wallabies boast at tighthead with Tupou battling for a starting spot with incumbent Allan Alaalatoa and long-time first-choice Sekope Kepu.
Loosehead prop Sio was confident Tupou would measure up if entrusted with a starting role against the Pumas.
"He's still growing, he's still learning but it's not a matter of nurturing (him) or anything. If he gets his opportunity to start, I'm sure he'll be ready," he said.
"He's had a stellar year, not just at Test level. At the Reds he showed how damaging he can be not only around the park, but at set pieces as well."
While Tupou has only been part of the squad for a short time, his combination of size and mobility has already made a big impression.
"I marvel at how athletic he is, and the size he is," Sio said.
"I'm pretty sure he is the quickest out of all of us in the tight five, he's definitely the strongest in the team."
Sio conceded the Wallabies scrum was inconsistent early in the hard fought win over the Springboks in Brisbane last week.
"There were just a few things that we need to fix as an eight and we understand that," he said.
"I guess the positive sign is we made a few changes at halftime and the finishers really came on and got the job done for us."
Despite Australia's erratic recent performances, Sio believes the Wallabies possess the forwards who can give them an intimidation factor.
"We're not quite there at the moment, we definitely have the players to do that," he said.
"If you go through our playing list, guys like Taniela, Allan (Alalaatoa), Adam Coleman, (David) Pocock ... Rory Arnold. It's there, it's just about putting it together on the weekend."
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