By John Day
The All Blacks will find out just how good they are without halfback Aaron Smith as coach Steve Hansen makes four changes for Sunday’s test against the Pumas in Argentina.
Liam Squire will make his first start for the All Blacks at blindside flanker, while Damien McKenzie’s set to debut off the bench in Buenos Aires.
Squire replaces injured number six Jerome Kaino despite playing his rugby at number eight for the Highlanders and Tasman, while specialist blindside and Super Rugby teammate Elliot Dixon’s been named in the reserves for what will be his second test appearance.
Exciting midfield prospect Anton Lienert-Brown’s also received a maiden test start at centre alongside second-five Ryan Crotty as Malakai Fekitoa is rested after an up-and-down season so far.
It’s been a rapid rise for 21 year-old Lienert-Brown whose main goal this year was to secure a starting spot at the Chiefs, competing against Charlie Ngatai and Seta Tamanivalu.
Halfback Aaron Smith getting a break following a typically busy season, with TJ Perenara receiving a rare start after some impressive form this year for both the All Blacks and the Hurricanes.
Lock Patrick Tuipulotu’s in the starting team for just the second time in his nine test career as Sam Whitelock takes his place in the reserves for what should be a record 80th test, passing Ian Jones as the most-capped All Blacks lock.
Despite the changes, Hansen thinks they’ve got the balance right for what should be an intense encounter at José Amalfitani Stadium.
"When it came to selecting this side, our key focus was to select a team that would maintain a high standard of performance and also allow us to grow our player depth and experience in the Test arena."
"We also took into consideration the fact that we have seven Tests under our belts this year and more Tests and a lot of international travel to come. The expectation is that this side will build on the performances we've produced so far this year and play a game we can all be proud of."
Prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi also gets a chance to impress off the bench for Charlie Faumuina who’s having a week off.
Lima Sopoaga will once again back-up Beauden Barrett, so McKenzie’s debut is likely to come at fullback rather than at first-five.
George Moala and Waisake Naholo have both missed out on selection as the pair of outside backs continue to recover from injuries.
The match day 23 is (with Test caps in brackets):
1. Joe Moody (17)
2. Dane Coles (43)
3. Owen Franks (84)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (9)
5. Brodie Retallick (54)
6. Liam Squire (3)
7. Ardie Savea (6)
8. Kieran Read - capt (91)
9. TJ Perenara (23)
10. Beauden Barrett (43)
11. Julian Savea (47)
12. Ryan Crotty (21)
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (3)
14. Israel Dagg (55)
15. Ben Smith (55)
==
16. Codie Taylor (8)
17. Wyatt Crockett (52)
18. Ofa Tu'ungafasi (1)
19. Samuel Whitelock (79)
20. Elliot Dixon (1)
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (21)
22. Lima Sopoaga (3)
23. Damian McKenzie
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