Lock Brodie Retallick will captain New Zealand for the first time in the absence of Ardie Savea when the All Blacks take on Argentina in the Rugby Championship on Australia’s Gold Coast on Sunday.
Loose forward Savea suffered a head knock in the 38-21 defeat of the Wallabies in Perth last weekend and is replaced at the back of the scrum by Luke Jacobson.
Retallick will become the fourth captain used by the All Blacks in seven Tests this season, with Sam Whitelock yet to return after missing to start of the overseas tour for the birth of a child.
Whitelock has been the regular skipper in the absence of Sam Cane who is unavailable until after the Rugby Championship due to a pectoral injury suffered last year, but Aaron Smith also led the team in the first Test against Fiji.
Coach Ian Foster has made six changes to his starting side but fullback Jordie Barrett retained his place after successfully appealing against the red card he was shown against Australia.
Asafo Aumua starts at hooker in place of Codie Taylor, who also suffered a head knock against the Wallabies, while prop Joe Moody was named on the bench for his first runout of the year after recovering from foot surgery.
Scrumhalf TJ Perenara was promoted from the bench to partner Beauden Barrett in the halves, while Sevu Reece and George Bridge will start on the wings in place of Will Jordan and Rieko Ioane.
Like Whitelock, fellow stars Aaron Smith and Richie Mo’unga are yet to return after getting leave for the arrival of babies.
Retallick, who becomes the 71st All Blacks captain in his 87th Test.
“Brodie is a great leader in this team and we don’t take his leadership for granted,” head coach Ian Foster said. “We think this is a great honor for him and he and his family can be hugely proud.””The key to selection this week has been about managing the player workload across the whole squad, which I think all teams will be doing in the championship,” Foster said.
“We’ve had a great build-up in Perth and we’re looking forward to getting to Queensland to finish our preparation.
“We want to ensure we have a fresh, excited squad ready to play a physical and passionate Argentinian team.”
They’ve had a tough time on the road with matches in Europe and South Africa before coming to Australia. But we know from last year that when they spend a lot of time together it really unifies them, so we’re expecting a torrid game.”
Argentina’s Pumas got their first ever win against New Zealand last season in the annual southern hemisphere test championship.
New Zealand team to play Argentina:
Jordie Barrett, Sevu Reece, Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili, George Bridge, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papalii, Akira Ioane, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Asafo Aumua, Karl Tu’inukuafe. Res: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Joe Moody, Tyrel Lomax,Tupou Vaa’i, Ethan Blackadder, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Rieko Ioane.
Chas
Roar Rookie
Interesting to see how big Brodie engages with Nic "card 'em" Berry
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I just saw that also, do not lose anything with Reiko. But Gees! Who are we going to lose next? The depth is being tested so much, I am starting to get a little bit worried.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Oh Jacko, yawwwn! :unhappy:
wigeye
Guest
I agree and he has the cattle allblacks look good
wigeye
Guest
good to see Jacko back..always liked your style.
wigeye
Guest
Just watched it. Yes the jersey so special Used to love watch fitzy play never a backward step he was probly very iratating/annoying to other teams. And his trademark...all credit to the boys
Sci
Roar Rookie
Jordan has been recognised, I feel for his contributions. In particular his kicking game and is being rested. IMO He will be close to first choice come the bigger games.
Machpants
Roar Guru
Late change. ALB out with hammy, Reiko in, Quinn Tupaea on the bench
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I agree mate, the Boks will see it as a real opportunity. They will pressure BB especially his kicking.
Emery Ambrose
Roar Rookie
Good choice for Cap, who wouldn’t follow Brodie. How good does is the 6,7,8 combo look this could be massive a game for them for the future. Man even with rotation look at the team. Argentina is going to bring it, but like last week if they build into the game slowly , they will do alright.
smoothy
Roar Rookie
Bang on the money! It’s not so much about the individuals - they can all bring their specialties - but the balance of the trio is key. I think Papalii & Jacobson are gonna lay a great platform for Akira to thrive yet again! As the Blues realised this year - it’s either Ioane OR Sotutu. Generally, both of these guys need workhorses (DP & Robinson) to help them play their role to its fullest.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Awesome stats.
Old Bugger
Guest
I don't mind it if Akira plays a predominantly ball-in-hand game with the occasional reach into the trenches, when its necessary. But, if that's Fozzies play, then he needs to have his 3rd loosie to support whoever has the role, to play in the trenches. It looks like Papa'alii, is currently playing the trenches role. So IMO, having Ardie at No8, will not achieve that provision to support Papa'alii because Ardie is also a keen ball-in-hand player. Jacobson IMO, grew up in the trenches and likes to play, close to the war zone. If he can support DP, then the tackle rate near and around the ruck zone, should help quell the Puma game-plan of playing it close, to the rucks. Hopefully, by limiting the Puma dominance around the breakdown area, it will force/encourage them to go wide, more than they'd like to. If the ABs continue with their in-the-face backline defence like they did against the WBs, then there's opportunities for errors, to capitalise on. But hey, its all my wishful thinking.....looking forward to whatever, pans out.
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
Really..MK..come on..nooooo..I want both AB and boklings at full power...goodness now you guys have BB at 10 who seems to be running side ways when under pressure...although he is still a threat...this is a golden opportunity for the boklings to win..
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
Really...no man...I and many want to see a full strength AB Vs full strength boklings ....for that 100th match...
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
West I wonder about AKira..I heard about him as being a beastly player..i have noticed he hurt my wallabies alot on that outside channel in previous tests..some roarers said he is very lazy and so only looks promising...the blues team has some big boy back rowers that rag doll players..I think tupou was picked up once by these blokes.. unbelievable
WEST
Roar Guru
Indeed.. still, stats non the less.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
WL I am here to be your bra, up lift and support :laughing:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Plus I need a good try assist :laughing: :laughing:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
WL, please help me as I need a good bouncer :silly: