Despite coming off a shock first-up Rugby Championship loss to Argentina, All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has kept faith in his under-siege halves TJ Perenara and Damian McKenzie while making four changes for Saturday’s rematch against Los Pumas at Eden Park.
The All Blacks blew a 20-15 half-time lead against Felipe Contepomi’s new-look Pumas as their composure went out the window in the final 20 minutes to go down 38-30 in Wellington.
The fallout has naturally been one of raised eyebrows and scratched heads after a series of less-than-convincing home matches, where on this occasion the All Blacks couldn’t overcome their shotty performance like they did against England in July.
Joel Sclavi of Argentina celebrates after upsetting the All Blacks at Sky Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Wellington. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
The inclusion of Tamaiti Williams is the only change to the pack, with the Crusaders loose-head prop replacing the injured Ethan de Groot.
Of more surprise is the changes in the backline, with Rieko Ioane returning to the midfield to partner Jordie Barrett in favour of the in-form Anton Lienert-Brown.
Robertson has also opted for a brand new wing pairing, with Caleb Clarke and Will Jordan starting ahead of Sevu Reece and Mark Tele’a. The latter has been shifted to the bench alongside fellow first-Test tryscorer Lienert-Brown.
On the bench, former captain Sam Cane has been called up and takes his place ahead of Wallace Sititi.
Ex-All Blacks captain Sam Cane (R) will make his international comeback for the All Blacks in the second match of the 2024 Rugby Championship. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
Robertson is still without new captain Scott Barrett, with the second-rower earlier ruled out of the All Blacks’ opening two home Tests against Los Pumas. He’s joined on the sidelines by Blues skipper Patrick Tuipulotu (calf).
“We’ve reflected deeply on our performance and our preparation individually and collectively is something we have all owned,” Robertson said. “Our intent and focus has shifted solely to Eden Park.”
While Robertson had few moves in the second-row he could make to try shore up the lineout, the decision to once again select three hard on-ballers in the back-row is a curious one.
Indeed, all three back-row options – Ethan Blackadder, Dalton Papali’i and Ardie Savea – are similar and have spent time in the No.7 jersey for their respective Super Rugby franchises. The addition of Cane off the bench gives the All Blacks another figure with similar characteristics.
Instead of calling up the physical presence of Samipeni Finau in the back-row, it’s possible Robertson considers the breakdown and securing quick ball the key to reigniting the All Blacks. Nonetheless, it’s a curious call and one that will ignite fierce debate.
The decision to start Perenara and McKenzie is equally vexed.
Neither experienced figure have owned their roles since returning to the starting side in the post Aaron Smith-Richie Mo’unga era.
Perenara’s service was slow last week, while McKenzie couldn’t lead the All Blacks to victory despite the home side opening up a strong first-half lead. Ultimately, his shovelled pass that hit the deck in the lead up to Agustin Creevy’s match-winning try summed up the home side’s struggles.
The return of Ioane a week after being left on the bench will raise eyebrows too, especially given Lienert-Brown was one of the All Blacks’ best.
But his return to the midfield does provide some more speed on the edges and his combination with Clarke and Barrett will likely have been considered, too.
New Zealand vs Argentina at Eden Park, Auckland. Kick-off: Saturday, 5:05pm AEST.
All Blacks (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Tyrel Lomax, Tupou Vaa’i, Sam Darry, Ethan Blackadder, Dalton Papali’i, Ardie Savea (c), TJ Perenara, Damian McKenzie, Caleb Clarke, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett
Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Josh Lord, Sam Cane, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, Mark Tele’a
Los Pumas: TBC