Prolific All Blacks try-scorer Will Jordan and scrumhalf TJ Perenara have returned from injury for New Zealand’s Rugby Championship opener against Argentina in Wellington.
Jordan, who can play wing or fullback, has scored 31 tries in as many Tests for the All Blacks, but a shoulder injury has kept the 26-year-old out of Test rugby since last year’s World Cup final.
Perenara returns for Saturday’s clash with the Pumas after recovering from the knee injury sustained against England in the first Test last month.
Loose forward Ardie Savea, who was born in Wellington, captains the All Blacks as regular skipper Scott Barrett is out with a finger injury.
“It’s a special night for Ardie leading the team in his home town and it’s great to have TJ and Will back in the mix,” said New Zealand coach Scott Robertson.
“We know Argentina will bring a lot of physicality and passion to the Test and we’re ready for that challenge.”
Anton Lienert-Brown comes into the centres at the expense of Rieko Ioane, who drops to the bench.
Sam Darry of the Blues will partner Chiefs forward Tupou Vaa’i in a new-look second row in the absence of Barrett and Patrick Tuipulotu, who has a calf injury.
The All Blacks have plenty of options in attack with twice world player of the year Beauden Barrett starting at fullback and Damian McKenzie at flyhalf.
Robertson was on the sidelines to watch Jordan grab a try for his province last Saturday in Christchurch, where the All Blacks speedster had a 60-minute run out to prove his fitness.
“He scored a trademark try and his anticipation was good. He’s in good nick, he’s fit, he’s ready to go,” Robertson said of Jordan.
“Beauden’s been exceptional, so having Jordan off the bench to make an impact will be special.”
New Zealand have a miserable recent record in Wellington, where the All Blacks are winless in their last four Tests in the capital.
They lost and drew against South Africa in 2018 and 2019, followed by a draw with Australia in 2020 and a defeat to Ireland in 2022.
“It’s a cold reality that we don’t perform well in Wellington,” Savea admitted.
“For us, we don’t talk about that. We just talk about each day’s preparation and hopefully get the win on Saturday.”
The hosts are eager to avoid a repeat of their 2022 shock home defeat to Argentina when ill discipline cost them as Pumas goal-kicker Emiliano Boffelli landed six penalties in a 25-18 victory.
All Blacks — 15 Beauden Barrett; 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mark Tele’a; 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 TJ Perenara; 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Dalton Papali’i, 6 Ethan Blackadder; 5 Sam Darry, 4 Tupou Vaa’i; 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan De Groot.
Subs: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Rieko Ioane, 23 Will Jordan.
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Gallo Images
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