Matt Todd's rollercoaster international career has taken another turn as the Crusaders flanker has been named to start against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Sunday morning (NZT).
The 29-year-old missed selection for the opening four Rugby Championship Tests, but with Sam Cane being rested for the trip to South America, coach Steve Hansen has turned to the 8-Test openside to fill his boots.
Todd is often the bridesmaid when it comes to the embarrassment of riches the selectors have at No.7, sitting third in a line that includes Cane and tearaway Hurricanes flyer Ardie Savea.
The selection of Todd in the starting 15 ahead of Savea was a simple one for Hansen,saying he believes the 23-year-old has the ability to make the required impact off the bench that will harmonise well with the Cantabrian's solid approach.
Elsewhere Damain McKenzie has kept hold of the 15 jersey despite a challenge from Tasman fullback David Havili, the 22-year-old will come off the bench to make his Test debut.
Nehe Milner-Skudder has been left out of the 23 entirely with Highlanders winger Waisake Naholo returning from injury to take his place on the wing.
Aaron Smith will start at halfback, while Auckland captain Patrick Tuipolotu gets a recall at lock.
Vaea Fifita makes his second start in an All Black Test on the blindside flank in a team that Hansen described as the best possible 23 available.
That comment is ominous for Jerome Kaino who has been left out despite a recall to the wider squad.
The two-time world cup winner returned home from Sydney in August for personal reasons, Hansen said he needs to earn his way back into the match day squad.
Kieran Read will captain the side in his 105th Test.
All Blacks
1. Kane Hames, 2. Dane Coles, 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Scott Barrett, 6. Vaea Fifita, 7. Matt Todd, 8. Kieran Read ©, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Rieko Ioane, 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 13. Anton Lienart-Brown, 14. Waisake Naholo, 15. Damian McKenzie
Reserves
16. Codei Taylor, 17. Wyatt Crockett, 18. Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Ardie Savea, 21.TJ Perenara, 22. Ngani Laumape, 23. David Havili
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