Damian McKenzie will start at flyhalf as Ian Foster named one debutant in the All Blacks run-on XV to face Argentina in the Rugby Championship on Saturday.
Making his first appearance for New Zealand since 2021, McKenzie is in line to add to his 40 caps in the first Test between the Kiwis and Los Pumas in Mendoza.
Chiefs teammate Emoni Narawa will become All Black 1208 after he runs out on the right wing at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, less than a week before his 24th birthday.
Meanwhile, two-Test Josh Lord is set to represent his country following a two-year absence, pairing with Scott Barrett in the second row.
In his 113th appearance, Beauden Barrett has been named at fullback and poised to surpass Dan Carter as the second most-capped Kiwi back in history, behind Aaron Smith (114) who takes his place in the No 9 jersey.
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“We have taken the need to build combinations in a vital year and balanced it with the need to manage the squad after Super Rugby,” said head coach Foster.
“This is obviously a massive year and we are really confident in the way that we’ve been building. We have had a short build-up but an effective one.”
The last time the All Blacks and Los Pumas met in Argentina, the New Zealanders won 20-16 in Buenos Aires.
“We have loved our time here in Mendoza for what will be a tremendous challenge,” added Foster. “We’ve enjoyed seeing how excited everyone is for this weekend’s game and can’t wait to get stuck into our work.”
It won’t be a walkover for the All Blacks, but they’ll have too much firepower for the Pumas, according to @mark_keohane and Zels. pic.twitter.com/DOHIhUyFue
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) July 6, 2023
Photo: Jeremy Ward/www.photosport.nz/BackpagePix