Savea captains, McKenzie retains position and Jordan returns as All Blacks prepare to face Argentina

The All Blacks return to action this weekend after pushing aside a spirited England in July. This time, they will be facing Argentina in the Rugby Championship, as they look to return to the top of the international order after being unceremoniously dashed by South Africa in the 2023 World Cup final.

Savea will captain the All Blacks for the ninth time, taking over from lock Scott Barrett, who was unavailable as he recovers from surgery on a broken finger. TJ Perenara and Will Jordan return from injury to add to the hugely experienced test squad. Only Sam Darry has fewer than 10 test caps, as he returns for just his second outing in the black of New Zealand.

Ahead of the match, Savea said: “We’ve laid a solid foundation through the first three Tests of the year and prepared well this week for what will be a physical Test against Argentina,”

All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson added that the squad was focused and ready ahead of the first Test of the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship:

“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. 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.”

All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets)

1.    Ethan De Groot (25)
2.    Codie Taylor (87) (Vice Captain)
3.    Tyrel Lomax (34)
4.    Tupou Vaa’i (28)
5.    Sam Darry (1)
6.    Ethan Blackadder (11)
7.    Dalton Papali’i (34)
8.    Ardie Savea (84) (Captain)
9.    TJ Perenara (82)
10.  Damian McKenzie (50)
11.  Mark Tele’a (11)
12.  Jordie Barrett (60) (Vice Captain)
13.  Anton Lienert-Brown (73)
14.  Sevu Reece (26)
15.  Beauden Barrett (126)

16. Asafo Aumua (9)
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (59)
18. Fletcher Newell (16)
19. Josh Lord (4)
20. Wallace Sititi (1)
21. Cortez Ratima (2)
22. Rieko Ioane (71)
23. Will Jordan (31)

Unavailable due to injury: Scott Barrett (finger surgery), Patrick Tuipulotu (calf), Stephen Perofeta (calf), Luke Jacobson (hamstring).