Sonny Bill Williams will start in one of six changes to the All Blacks starting XV to face Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
There are three changes to the backline that lost to the Springboks in Wellington. Williams makes his return from injury and illness in the No 12 jersey, with Ryan Crotty shifting to outside centre and Anton Lienert-Brown dropping to the bench.
Waisake Naholo returns to the right wing at the expense of Jordie Barrett, with Ben Smith shifting to fullback. TJ Perenara will win his 50th Test cap as he rotates with Aaron Smith.
In the forwards, regular captain Kieran Read has been rested and is replaced by Luke Whitelock, with Sam Whitelock leading the team. In the absence of the injured Liam Squire, young flank Shannon Frizell will once again start against Argentina after impressing against them in Nelson.
There is also a change in the front row, with Ofa Tuungafasi starting at tighthead ahead of Owen Franks, with Angus Ta’avao set to make his Test debut from the bench.
All Blacks – 15 Ben Smith, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Sam Whitelock (c), 3 Ofa Tuungafasi, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Karl Tu’inukuafe
Subs: 16 Nathan Harris, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 Aaron Smith, 22 Richie Mo’unga, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown.
Photo: Dianne Manson/Getty Images
