All Black coach Steve Hansen has made 2 changes to the New Zealand team to play the Pumas from Argentina at the Estadio Ciudad de La Plata, Argentina, in the Rugby Championship Test this Saturday (Sunday morning very early SA Time).
A fit again Aaron Cruden comes in at flyhalf as an injury enforced change, replacing the injured Dan Carter.
At hooker Andrew Hore replaces Dan Coles (who falls out of the match 23), for his 80th Test.
On the bench there is just 1 change, with Jeremy Thrush covering the lock position.
Kieran Read will again captain the team in the absence of the injured Richie McCaw.
Steve Hansen said they are very happy with Dane Cole’s role and performance against the Springboks in Auckland a fortnight ago. He said, “But, like a lot of the young players, we are also mindful of managing their game time as part of their development so we have brought in Andrew to start this week.”
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 1 Julian Savea, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Jeremy Thrush, 20 Steven Luatua, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Charles Piutau.
Date: Saturday 28 September
Venue: Estadio Ciudad de la Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Kick-off: 00:40 Sunday SA Time (Saturday 19:40 Arg Time, 22:40 GMT, Sunday 11:40 NZ Time)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Leighton Hodges (Wales)
TMO: Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)