Hansen names one new cap in All Black side to play Pumas

The All Blacks team has been named to play the Rugby Championship match against Argentina at Estadio José Amalfitani, Buenos Aires, on Saturday 30 September 2017, with new All Black David Havili named in the run-on reserves.

The matchday 23 (Test caps in brackets) is:

1. Kane Hames (3)
2. Dane Coles (52)
3. Nepo Laulala (7)
4. Luke Romano (28)
5. Scott Barrett (11)
6. Vaea Fifita (2)
7. Matt Todd (8)
8. Kieran Read (104) – Captain
9. Aaron Smith (65)
10. Beauden Barrett (57)
11. Rieko Ioane (7)
12. Sonny Bill Williams (40)
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (17)
14. Waisake Naholo (13)
15. Damian McKenzie (6)
16. Codie Taylor (23)
17. Wyatt Crockett (65)
18. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (8)
19. Patrick Tuipulotu (12)
20. Ardie Savea (20)
21. TJ Perenara (37)
22. Ngani Laumape (3)
23. David Havili – uncapped

As well as Havili, the matchday 23 for Saturday also features a number of other changes in the backs. Anton Lienert-Brown has been named in the 13 jersey, Waisake Naholo is on the right wing for his first match in this year’s Investec Rugby Championship, while Ngani Laumape will provide extra back cover.

In the forwards, Luke Romano and Scott Barrett have been named as the starting locks, with Patrick Tuipulotu named in the reserves in his first appearance in the All Blacks in 2017. Vaea Fifita is at blindside flanker and Matt Todd at openside in his fourth Test start.

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: “We’ve selected what we believe is a quality team and have high expectations that they’ll go out and put in a strong performance this weekend.

“In saying that, we are under no illusion about what we’ll be facing this weekend. After having a torrid tussle against us in New Plymouth, Argentina will be even more determined on their home pitch and in front of their passionate fans. Our job will be to start well and to put in a performance for the full 80 minutes.”