Havili poised for All Blacks debut

Cape Town - New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has named his side for their Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in Buenos Aires this weekend.

Uncapped fullback David Havili has been named amongst the substitutes as Hansen made several changes to the team that thrashed South Africa 57-0.

As well as Havili, the match-day 23 also features a number of other changes in the backs. Anton Lienert-Brown has been named in the No 13 jersey, Waisake Naholo is on the right wing for his first match in the 2017 Rugby Championship, while Ngani Laumape will provide extra back cover.

Up front, Luke Romano and Scott Barrett have been named as the starting locks, with Patrick Tuipulotu named on the bench in his first appearance for the All Blacks in 2017. Vaea Fifita starts at blindside flanker and Matt Todd at openside in his fourth Test start.

“We’ve selected what we believe is a quality team and have high expectations that they’ll go out and put in a strong performance this weekend,” Hansen told the All Blacks’ official website.

“The team has had a great week here in Buenos Aires. As always, our training throughout the week has been of paramount importance. Whilst this is a team requirement, it is also an individual necessity. Our training and preparation has to be bone deep, and when this is achieved, we always give ourselves the opportunity to play well on Saturday.

“In saying that, we are under no illusion about what we’ll be facing this weekend. After having a torrid tussle against us in New Plymouth, Argentina will be even more determined on their home pitch and in front of their passionate fans. Our job will be to start well and to put in a performance for the full 80 minutes.”

Kick-off for the clash is at 00:40 SA time on Sunday.

Teams:

Argentina

TBA

New Zealand

15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 Vaea Fifita, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Kane Hames

Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Ngani Laumape, 23 David Havili