All Blacks name team to play Argentina

TJ Perenara will start for New Zealand against Argentina in Saturday’s Rugby Championship match in Buenos Aires. The Hurricanes halfback replaces Aaron Smith in the run-on side, one of four changes made by coach Steve Hansen from the team that comfortably defeated the Springboks at AMI Stadium on September 17. Smith has worn the no9 shirt for New Zealand in each of their seven tests since the World Cup, and Hansen admits that fatigue and form were both a factor in selection.

“When it came to selecting this side, our key focus was to select a team that would maintain a high standard of performance and also allow us to grow our player depth and experience in the Test arena. We also took into consideration the fact that we have seven Tests under our belts this year and more Tests and a lot of international travel to come.”

Further changes see Blues lock Patrick Tu’ipulotu step in for Sam Whitelock, with the latter moved to the bench, and Liam Squire replacing Jerome Kaino on the blindside flank. Anton Lienert-Brown makes his second test start in the midfield in place of Malakai Fekitoa. Rotation on the bench means that Charlie Faumuina swaps out for Blues teammate Ofa Tu’ungafasi, and Elliot Dixon finds a place as a loose forward reserve. Chiefs utility Damian McKenzie is set to make his test debut as a replacement.

New Zealand have now rattled off 15 consecutive test wins, including all seven of their matches in 2016. They defeated the Pumas 57-22 at their meeting in Hamilton on September 10, pulling away in the second half after leading by only five points at the break.

NEW ZEALAND ALL BLACKS
1 Joe Moody 2 Dane Coles 3 Owen Franks 4 Patrick Tu’ipulotu 5 Brodie Retallick 6 Liam Squire 7 Ardie Savea 8 Kieran Read (capt.) 9 TJ Perenara 10 Beauden Barrett 11 Julian Savea 12 Ryan Crotty 13 Anton Lienert-Brown 14 Israel Dagg 15 Ben Smith

16 Codie Taylor 17 Wyatt Crockett 18 Ofa Tu’ungafasi 19 Sam Whitelock 20 Elliot Dixon 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow 22 Lima Sopoaga 23 Damian McKenzie