Veteran loose forward Sam Cane returns to a squad which is likely to raise a few eyebrows as the All Blacks attempt to avenge their loss to Argentina at Eden Park on Saturday.
Former skipper Cane, who has played 95 Tests and has returned from a long-term back injury, has been named on the reserves bench and will add much-needed experience during the continued absence of captain Scott Barrett (finger injury).
There are four changes to the starting side, with Will Jordan making a predictable return via the right wing in place of Sevu Reece, Caleb Clarke named on the left wing in place of Mark Tele’a, who has been named on the bench, and Rieko Ioane returning to start at centre after being benched for last weekend’s 38-30 defeat in Wellington.
Tamaiti Williams starts at loosehead prop due to Ethan de Groot’s neck injury.
Head coach Scott Robertson has remained true to his word and continued to back Damian McKenzie in the No.10 jersey, with Beauden Barrett again named at fullback.
Perhaps the most surprising selection is the continued faith in halfback TJ Perenara, named to start despite a mixed performance at the Cake Tin. Cortez Ratima has again been named on the bench.
Perenara will have got the nod due to his experience as McKenzie's occasionally shaky game management last weekend will likely have made the selectors wary about teaming Ratima and the Chiefs playmaker on for the start.
Robertson has also resisted the temptation to change his loose forward starting line-up. Cane’s inclusion on the bench comes at the expense of rookie Wallace Sititi.
Tupou Vaa’i, presumably under pressure from Josh Lord, again partners Sam Darry in the second row. Hooker Codie Taylor and tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax predictably retain their places.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson speaks to lock Tupou Vaa'i during training this week. (Source: Photosport)
Robertson said: “We’ve reflected deeply on our performance and our preparation individually and collectively is something we have all owned. Our intent and focus has shifted solely to Eden Park.”
Tele’a, named on the bench, could perhaps count himself unlucky at losing this place to Blues teammate Clarke, whose only previous involvement during this year’s tour Tests was a start against Fiji in San Diego.
The most straightforward change was Jordan, who returned from a long-term shoulder injury off the bench last weekend, for Reece.
The selectors, previously bold in leaving out halfback Finlay Christie from the Rugby Championship squad, dropping loose forward Samipeni Finau after the England series and benching Ioane for the first Test against Argentina, appear to have resorted to a more conservative strategy for this Saturday.
The All Blacks haven’t lost at Eden Park since 1994.
All Blacks team
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The team (caps in brackets) to play Argentina at Eden Park on Saturday, kick-off 7.05pm is:
1. Tamaiti Williams (8), 2. Codie Taylor (88), 3. Tyrel Lomax (35), 4. Tupou Vaa’i (29), 5. Sam Darry (2), 6. Ethan Blackadder (12), 7. Dalton Papali’i (35), 8. Ardie Savea (85) ©, 9. TJ Perenara (83), 10. Damian McKenzie (51), 11. Caleb Clarke (21), 12. Jordie Barrett (61), 13. Rieko Ioane (72), 14. Will Jordan (32), 15. Beauden Barrett (127). Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua (10), 17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (60), 18. Fletcher Newell (17), 19. Josh Lord (5), 20. Sam Cane (95), 21. Cortez Ratima (3), 22. Anton Lienert-Brown (74), 23. Mark Tele’a (12).
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