Tri Nations Rugby: All Blacks make changes for the team to face Argentina

The All Blacks have left the rotation and returned almost in full force for their first Tri Nations clash against the Pumas.

The Matchday 23 forward pack features the return of Joe Moody, who missed the last two tests via HIA (Head Injury Assessment) protocols.

He will pack alongside Dane Coles and Tyrel Lomax. Hooker Codie Taylor is on the bench with Alex Hodgman and Nepo Laulala, who has returned from paternity leave.

Patrick Tuipulotu, who missed the Brisbane test due to illness, has been named in the second row alongside Samuel Whitelock, with Tupou Vaa’i covering from the bench.

The bottom row is Shannon Frizell at six, Captain Sam Cane in the seven jersey and Ardie Savea at number eight, with Hoskins Sotutu on the loose.

On the backs, Aaron Smith has been selected in jersey nine, with Brad Weber on the bench as cover, Richie Mo’unga is in ten, with Jack Goodhue and Anton Lienert-Brown the midfield combination.

Caleb Clarke is on the left wing, Jordie Barrett is moving to the right and Beauden Barrett is at fullback. Rieko Ioane and Damian McKenzie are the other alternates.

All Blacks head coach Ian Foster said his team has learned lessons from the disappointing loss to the Wallabies.

“We were bitterly disappointed in the loss to Australia at the weekend, but we have learned a lot of lessons from that game. Specifically, we need to be smarter in looking at space and executing our plan around that.

“We also want to continue to grow our work on the break, both in attack and defense, as I think we are making great progress here.

“Now we are in the next phase of the tournament playing against Argentina and it will be exciting to play against a new opponent.”

Foster also showed his respect for the Pumas and coach Mario Ledesma.

“The Argentines are well trained by Mario Ledesma and we have a lot of respect for them. We only need to go back to Buenos Aires last year, when we had a real fight with them, to know how tough they can be (the All Blacks won by a narrow margin 20-16).

“They have been in Australia for several weeks, they are well prepared and this is their first round of 2020, so it will be a great occasion for them and their country, so we have to be prepared.”