Barrett out with neck injury as Perofeta set for All Blacks debut

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has stuck with the team that beat the Springboks at Ellis Park for this weekend’s test against Argentina, though Beauden Barrett has been ruled out.

Stephen Perofeta.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Foster has made just one change to the matchday-23 made for Saturday night’s match in Christchurch, with the Blues first-five Stephen Perofeta to make his debut from the bench in place of Barrett, who suffered a neck injury at training earlier this week.

Richie Mo’unga remains in the starting XV.

The front row consists of Ethan de Groot, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Tyrel Lomax.

George Bower, Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell will again provide cover.

Sam Whitelock and Scott Barrett are the locks with Shannon Frizell, Ardie Savea and Sam Cane the loose forwards.

David Havili and Rieko Ioane make up the midfield, with Will Jordan, Jordie Barrett and Caleb Clarke the starting outside backs.

New Zealand’s most capped halfback, Aaron Smith (107 tests), will mark his 100th test start in the match.

Aaron Smith.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Foster said the All Blacks are excited by their first trip to Christchurch since 2016.

“It’s great for us to be able to return to Christchurch. The All Blacks have such a rich history here and it’s exciting to build on that.

“The recent form of Argentina makes this a Test one that we are looking forward to. And the fact that the Rugby Championship is incredibly even means this Test is vital to us.”

The match will Argentina’s first in New Zealand since 2018.

The All Blacks have played them 37 times since 1976, while this will be just the third meeting between the sides in Christchurch.

Argentina lead the Rugby Championship after two rounds, though all four teams have one win and one loss each.

All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets):

1.Ethan de Groot (6)

2.Samisoni Taukei’aho (13)

3.Tyrel Lomax (16)

4.Sam Whitelock (136)

5.Scott Barrett (52)

6.Shannon Frizell (19)

7.Sam Cane © (82)

8.Ardie Savea (64)

9.Aaron Smith (107)

10.Richie Mo’unga (37)

11.Caleb Clarke (7)

12.David Havili (18)

13.Rieko Ioane (52)

14.Will Jordan (17)

15.Jordie Barrett (41)

16.Codie Taylor (70)

17.George Bower (16)

18.Fletcher Newell (1)

19.Tupou Vaa’i (14)

20.Akira Ioane (16)

21.Finlay Christie (8)

22.Stephen Perofeta * debut

23.Quinn Tupaea (11)