Scott Robertson explains selection 'tweak' in All Blacks pack

All Blacks selectors have made a couple of significant changes for their second match of the Rugby Championship against Los Pumas, with both the starting and bench units welcoming some different faces in Buenos Aires.

Up front, Tamaiti Williams’ return to full health following knee surgery sees him take his place on the bench at the expense of rookie Ollie Norris. Just one other change to the tight five sees Josh Lord replace the injured Patrick Tuipulotu on the bench.

In the loose forwards, Simon Parker is in line for an All Blacks debut at No. 8, a selection that shifts vice-captain Ardie Savea to the side of the scrum. Du’Plessis Kirifi is the man losing his place in the team to accommodate the rookie’s debut.

Wallace Sititi has assumed the role of loose forward cover on the bench after an injury-plagued year to date, having missed 10 rounds of Super Rugby as well as the All Blacks’ four games so far in 2025.

There’s just one change in the backs, with Quinn Tupaea replacing injured Chiefs counterpart Anton Lienert-Brown in the No. 22 jersey.

While Parker’s introduction to the Test arena represents a tactical change, the rest of the selection calls have been dictated by availability. Robertson said continuity was important early in the tournament after some downtime between campaigns.

“We hadn’t played for a month, we needed a bit of battle-hardened cohesion in our group, and also the opportunity for Simon, who’s had a couple of games under his belt in the NPC,” he told reporters in Buenos Aires.

“Ardie’s very good at seven, and it’s a tough call on Du’plessis; it was definitely not on form. He’s played well every opportunity that he’s got. So, just a little bit of a tweak to the forward pack.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

21

36

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

40%

The coach said Parker’s debut was well-deserved, and the team was excited to see how his bone-rattling Super Rugby form stacks up against an international pack as strong as Argentina’s.

“He’s consistent, really accurate, and in the last two weeks, he’s trained really well. So, he’s ready for it,” Robertson said of the rookie.

“We know he’s Test-ready, we’ve kept an eye on him for a long time. He’s just been really consistent, and we’re looking forward to him showing us what he’s got. We backed him, and it’s a good forward pack in front of him.”

Williams and Sititi’s selections see two of New Zealand’s most physical players rejoin the fold, set to be injected late in the contest. A week ago, the Kiwi bench had a decisive impact on the game, with No. 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho claiming two rolling maul tries to put the game well beyond Argentina’s reach.

Robertson was thrilled to have two of his 2024 standouts back in action, especially with the big slate of games to come.

“They’re some big bodies. We’re really pleased, they’ve worked really hard. The timing for this opportunity, if you look at the entirety of the Test series, them getting back for this Test match is really important.

“They’re chomping, they’re keen. They’re very good Test footballers, so we’re pleased to have them back.”

Los Pumas have also looked for continuity for the most part, but have moved Juan Martin Gonzalez into the starting unit for Marcos Kremer, and brought in the elusive Mateo Carreras for Rodrigo Isgro. The All Blacks coach said he was expecting some changes from the hosts.

“Carreras is obviously a pretty unique player; he’s got a great skillset, very quick, very elusive. And Juan’s experienced, so it’s a balance.

“We thought they might bring a couple in, and they have.”