All Blacks name team for semi final

7:41 am on 19 October 2023
New Zealand's wing Mark Telea dives to score a try during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between France and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris on September 8, 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Mark Telea is back on the wing for the All Blacks after sitting out the quarterfinal. Photo: AFP

There are two changes to the All Blacks starting fifteen for Saturday's World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Paris.

Sam Whitelock replaces Brodie Retallick at lock and Mark Tele'a is back on the left wing.

Tele'a was stood down for the quarter-final after breaking team protocols. He replaces Leicester Fainga'anuku who played against Ireland.

In the reserves Samisoni Taukei'aho replaces Dane Coles.

"Rugby World Cup playoffs are a series of finals," said head coach Ian Foster. "We know that the intensity only increases as you progress through the knockout stages and we are preparing accordingly.

"We have received amazing support from our country and fans. The atmosphere at our games has been tremendous and we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been a part of that.

"The team is determined to give it everything in this special occasion against Argentina who are a quality team with a proven record in Rugby World Cup playoff games. We are very respectful of that."

Sam Whitelock with Aaron Smith and Brodie Retallick

Sam Whitelock with Aaron Smith and Brodie Retallick Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Another sellout crowd of 80,000 fans is expected in Saint-Denis for what will be the third Rugby World Cup encounter between the two sides, and their second in the knockout stages.

The teams met earlier this year in Mendoza, where the All Blacks opened the Test season with a 41-12 win at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas.

All Blacks match day 23 (Test caps in brackets)

1. Ethan de Groot (20)

2. Codie Taylor (83)

3. Tyrel Lomax (30)

4. Samuel Whitelock (151)

5. Scott Barrett (67)

6. Shannon Frizell (31)

7. Sam Cane (c) (93)

8. Ardie Savea (79)

9. Aaron Smith (123)

10. Richie Mo'unga (54)

11. Mark Tele'a (7)

12. Jordie Barrett (55)

13. Rieko Ioane (67)

14. Will Jordan (29)

15. Beauden Barrett (121)

Reserves

16. Samisoni Taukei'aho (28)

17. Tamaiti Williams (6)

18. Fletcher Newell (12)

19. Brodie Retallick (107)

20. Dalton Papali'i (30)

21. Finlay Christie (19)

22. Damian McKenzie (45)

23. Anton Lienert-Brown (68)