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All Blacks keep the faith in side to face Pumas
By Ben Smith
All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has kept the faith in his side that pulled off a 35-23 win at Ellis Park for their test against Argentina this weekend.
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Foster has named the same starting side that beat the Springboks in Johannesburg for their Christchurch, while just one change has been made to the bench.
First five eighth Richie Mo’unga will start at No 10 in front of his home crowd in Christchurch alongside Crusaders teammate David Havili at 12.
The experienced Aaron Smith starts at halfback with Finlay Christie backing him up on the bench.
Joining Havili in the midfield is Blues centre Rieko Ioane for what will be their fourth test pairing this year, while Chiefs second five Quinn Tupaea returns to the bench.
In the outside backs, Will Jordan will start again on the right wing while Caleb Clarke retains his place on the left wing after two impressive performances in South Africa.
Jordie Barrett has been named at fullback while a potential debut has been handed to Stephen Perofeta who will make his first test appearance from the bench against Argentina.
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Utility Beauden Barrett, who was reportedly injured at training this week, has not been named and Perofeta will step into his role.
Up front, the impressive front row from Ellis Park of Ethan de Groot, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Tyrel Lomax has been retained.
Codie Taylor returns to the bench alongside two more Crusaders, George Bower and Fletcher Newell.
Packing down in the second row are Crusaders pair Scott Barrett and Sam Whitelock while Tupou Vaa’i provides cover.
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The loose forward trio of Shannon Frizell, Sam Cane and Ardie Savea will start again after Frizell’s impressive return to top flight rugby in South Africa.
Akira Ioane will provide loose forward cover in the No 20 jersey.
“It’s great for us to be able to return to Christchurch,” Foster said.
“The All Blacks have such a rich history here and it’s exciting to build on that.
“The recent form of Argentina makes this a Test one that we are looking forward to. And the fact that the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship is incredibly even means this Test is vital to us.”
Team for Christchurch ? pic.twitter.com/LDFV64MPft
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 24, 2022