Steve Hansen has named his New Zealand XV to take on Argentina in the opening round of the Rugby Championship this weekend, handing a debut to Highlanders flyer Waisake Naholo on the wing.
Naholo had a breakthrough season for the Super Rugby-winning side, reneging on a deal to sign with Clermont in order to stay and fight for an All Blacks spot – a decision which has paid dividends immediately.
Naholo’s inclusion for George Moala is one of six changes from the matchday 23 that beat Samoa in Apia, as Hansen slowly phases in the Highlanders and Hurricanes players that missed that test due to the Super Rugby final.
In the starting line-up, Ma’a Nonu replaces Ryan Crotty in the 13 jersey, while Canes teammate TJ Perenara is handed the scrum-half shirt. Brodie Retallick is elevated to the starting line-up in places of Sam Whitelock, who is given a rest.
NEW ZEALAND TEAM TO PLAY ARGENTINA
1. Tony Woodcock (111)
2. Keven Mealamu (124)
3. Owen Franks (68)
4. Luke Romano (18)
5. Brodie Retallick (37)
6. Jerome Kaino (57)
7. Richie McCaw – captain (138)
8. Kieran Read (73)
9. TJ Perenara (11)
10. Daniel Carter (103)
11. Charles Piutau (15)
12. Sonny Bill Williams (24)
13. Ma’a Nonu (94)
14. Waisake Naholo
15. Israel Dagg (47)
Replacements: 16. Codie Taylor 17. Wyatt Crockett (37) 18. Nepo Laulala (1) 19. Jeremy Thrush (11) 20. Liam Messam (40) 21. Andy Ellis (27) 22. Colin Slade (18) 23. Ryan Crotty (14)
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