World Player of the Year Ardie Savea will take over the All Blacks captaincy in the opening Rugby Championship Tests against Argentina, as Scott Barrett has been ruled out through injury.
The All Blacks confirmed on Monday that Barrett will be unavailable for Saturday’s Test in Wellington and next weekend’s clash in Auckland, after having surgery on his finger.
Savea will captain New Zealand in Barrett’s absence, with Jordie Barrett and Codie Taylor serving as vice-captains.
Uncapped flyhalf Harry Plummer has been added to the New Zealand squad after his impressive displays helped Auckland Blues win this year’s Super Rugby title.
The 26-year-old will cover for his Blues teammate Stephen Perofeta who is carrying an injury knock.
The All Blacks will be eager to avoid a repeat of their stunning 2022 home defeat as they take on Los Pumas for the first time since the 2023 World Cup semi-finals.
Argentina were crushed 44-6 when the sides met in the semi-finals of last year’s World Cup, but the Pumas earned a shock first victory over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil during their last visit in 2022.
The hosts want no repeat of their historic 25-18 defeat in Christchurch two years ago.
“I wasn’t selected for that game, but I still remember going into the changing room (after). It was like being at a funeral,” loose forward Dalton Papali’i told reporters.
“It was a couple of years ago, but we have got to be at our best.
“Every time we play against them, it’s a physical game. We’re looking forward to it.”
The All Blacks have won their three games so far this season, beating Fiji in San Diego two weeks ago after last month’s 2-0 home series win over England.
Argentina drew their home series 1-1 with France last month before hammering neighbours Uruguay 79-5 in a 12-try away romp.
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
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