All Blacks add Perofeta for Argentina Test

Thu, Aug 25, 2022, 1:15 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Springboks host an under-fire New Zealand at Ellis Park Stadium

Head coach Ian Foster has retained the starting line-up that beat South Africa two weeks ago for the All Blacks' Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in Christchurch on Saturday.

After making several changes through New Zealand's home series against Ireland and in the first Test in Johannesburg, Foster finally hit on the combination which beat the World Cup champion Springboks 35-23 at Ellis Park.

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Only one change has been made on the bench where Blues utility Stephen Perofeta has been named to likely to make his Test debut in place of Beauden Barrett, who has a neck injury.

Foster retained Richie Mo'unga at five-eighth after his influential role in the win over the Boks which ended New Zealand's three-match losing streak.

Young props Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax, who also were key performers in South Africa, will continue in the front row with hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho. Shannon Frizell also is retained on the blindside flank.

Argentina is in top spot and the All Blacks are in last place on the four-team Rugby Championship standings. The All Blacks have won 31 of 33 Tests against Argentina and Saturday's contest is the first in Christchurch for six years.

"The All Blacks have such a rich history here and it's exciting to build on that," Foster said.

"The recent form of Argentina makes this a test one that we are looking forward to. And the fact that the Rugby Championship is incredibly even means this test is vital to us."

Scrumhalf Aaron Smith will start his 100th game for the All Blacks as they look to continue their strong form against the Pumas.

New Zealand: Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, David Havili, Caleb Clarke, Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (capt), Shannon Frizell, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Tyrel Lomax, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ethan de Groot.

Reserves: Codie Taylor, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Tupou Vaa'i, Akira Ioane, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, Quinn Tupaea.

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