(Reuters) – Will Jordan has been named in his first New Zealand match-day squad since the Rugby World Cup final against South Africa after recovering from shoulder surgery and is set to play off the bench against Argentina.
Scrumhalf TJ Perenara returns in the number nine shirt after injuring his lower leg during the first test of the season against England in Dunedin.
Ardie Savea will lead the team named on Thursday in the absence of Scott Barrett who will miss their opening two Rugby Championship tests against Argentina as he recovers from a finger injury.
Fullback Stephen Perofeta was ruled out with a calf strain, joining Patrick Tuipulotu (calf) and Luke Jacobson (hamstring) on the injury list.
Sam Darry retains his place at lock after his debut against Fiji in San Diego and will partner Tupou Vaa’i in the second row.
Savea leads the All Blacks for the ninth time and THE first since leading the side to a 96-17 win over Italy in Lyon during last year’s World Cup in France.
“It’s a special night for Ardie leading the team in his hometown and it’s great to have TJ and Will back in the mix,” All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said in a statement.
“Once again there were some close selection calls but we’ve picked a squad to win the key contests and perform on Saturday.
“We know Argentina will bring a lot of physicality and passion to the test and we’re ready for that challenge.”
New Zealand team:
15-Beauden Barrett, 14-Sevu Reece, 13-Anton Lienert-Brown, 12-Jordie Barrett, 11-Mark Tele’a, 10-Damian McKenzie, 9-TJ Perenara, 8-Ardie Savea (captain), 7-Dalton Papali’i, 6-Ethan Blackadder, 5-Sam Darry, 4-Tupou Vaa’i, 3-Tyrel Lomax, 2-Codie Taylor, 1-Ethan de Groot
Replacements: 16-Asafo Aumua, 17-Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18-Fletcher Newell, 19-Josh Lord, 20-Wallance Sititi, 21-Cortez Ratima, 22-Rieko Ioane, 23-Will Jordan
(Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Miral Fahmy)
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