They say a week's a long time in football. Try eight years.
That's how long it's been since prop Greg Holmes last ran on for the Wallabies.
The Queensland journeyman has been rewarded for his perseverance with selection in Australia's starting line-up to face Argentina in their Rugby Championship Test in Mendoza on Sunday morning (AEST).
The scrum specialist got the nod he thought he may never get again and replaced Sekope Kepu in the front row.
The front-row trio of Holmes, skipper Stephen Moore and James Slipper will have their work cut out for them against the renowned Puma pack, which helped put the Australians to the sword at the same venue last year.
The set piece will be a key battle in this year's World Cup with Australia facing northern hemisphere nations England and Wales in their pool.
Holmes said he is up to the challenge despite failing to crack a starting jersey since 2007.
"It's been a long road but I'm super excited to be back playing and I feel like I've never been away from the team now," Holmes said.
"Argentina have a great scrum so it's a great challenge.
"We want to come out this weekend and really get stuck into them."
The 32-year-old said he almost gave up hope of playing again for his country.
"You toil away in the Super Rugby and you're dying to play for your country again so it's a great reward.
"I focused on myself and trained hard and I prepared my body there and now I've got my chance."
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