Du Plessis Kirifi. Photo: Marty Melville / www.photosport.nz
Pumas v All Blacks
Kick-off: 9:10am Sunday 17 August
Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Córdoba
Live blog updates on RNZ
All Black captain Scott Barrett returns from injury to lead the team against Argentina in Córdoba. Barrett comes back in at lock, in one of nine changes to the team that beat France last month in Hamilton.
Barrett will start alongside Fabian Holland in the second row in one of nine changes to the team that finished the July Series against France in Hamilton.
Tupou Vaa'i also returns to action after missing the Hamilton test through injury and slot back in at blindside, with Du'Plessis Kirifi at openside in his second start, and Ardie Savea at number in what will be his 98th Test for the All Blacks and 100th match. Samipeni Finau will cover loose forward off the bench, ahead of new squad member Simon Parker.
Cortez Ratima unsurprisingly gets the nod at halfback inside Beauden Barrett, with Finlay Christie preferred as backup ahead of the uncapped Kyle Preston. Damian McKenzie covers first five and fullback, while Billy Proctor continues at centre in an interesting midfield situation.
Billy Proctor starts his fifth Test in the No.13 jersey, alongside Jordie Barrett in the midfield. Wings Rieko Ioane and Sevu Reece combine with Will Jordan in the back three.
There is a plenty of experience on the bench, with Christie, Anton Lienert-Brown and McKenzie boasting a combined 172 Test caps. In the forwards Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ollie Norris and Pasilio Tosi provide impact in the front row along with lock Patrick Tuipulotu alongside Finau.
Coach Scott Robertson said the squad was fully focused and prepared for the start of the Rugby Championship.
"We've had a great week of training in Buenos Aires and the group is ready to go out and perform. Scott and our leaders have led from the front and there's a lot of focus and motivation in the group for the start of the campaign.
"We know the Pumas identity is a fast and physical game and we've selected a team that will embrace the occasion. It's been 30 years since the All Blacks played in Córdoba and we are looking forward to the passion and energy of the home crowd."
ALL BLACKS TEAM TO PLAY ARGENTINA
1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Tupou Vaa'i, 7. Du'Plessis Kirifi, 8. Ardie Savea, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Rieko Ioane, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Will Jordan
Bench: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Ollie Norris, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Samipeni Finau, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 23. Damian McKenzie
Unavailable for selection: Tamaiti Williams (knee); Wallace Sititi (ankle)
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