All Blacks tweak team for Pumas

The All Blacks have made five changes for their match against Argentina in La Plata on Saturday.

Among the backs, Beauden Barrett will make just his second start in the No 10 jersey after Aaron Cruden went out drinking last Saturday night and missed the team's flight on Sunday, while Malakai Fekitoa comes in for the injured Ma’a Nonu.

The pack features the return from injury of lock Sam Whitelock and blindside flanker Jerome Kaino. With Dane Coles returning to New Zealand to be with his partner for the birth of their baby, Keven Mealamu starts at hooker, with Nathan Harris set to make a possible Test debut from the bench.

A bonus-point win on Saturday will see the All Blacks retain their Rugby Championship title with a round to spare.

All Blacks – 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Malakai Fekitoa, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Wyatt Crockett.  
Subs: 16 Nathan Harris, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Ben Franks, 19 Jeremy Thrush, 20 Sam Cane, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Colin Slade, 23 Cory Jane.

Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

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