Saturday evening in Buenos Aires will be a memorable occasion for the All Blacks, as the team blends youth and experience for round two of the Rugby Championship against Los Pumas.
Rookie Simon Parker earns his first Test cap at No. 8, replacing Du’Plessis Kirifi in the loose forward trio. Parker, a bruising presence from the Chiefs, will make his debut alongside the return of 2024’s Breakthrough Player of the Year, Wallace Sititi, who joins the bench for his first 2025 appearance.
Tamaiti Williams also makes his first appearance of the year from the bench after recovering from knee surgery, forming a near-400 kg reserve front row alongside Pasilio Tosi and Samisoni Taukei’aho.
The evening is particularly special for hooker Codie Taylor, who will earn his 100th Test cap, becoming the 14th player in history to reach the milestone for the All Blacks. Taylor debuted against Argentina in 2015 and has since become a cornerstone of the squad.
“All of the players who have come into the squad have worked really hard and earned their place at training,” All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said.
“Codie carries a huge amount of mana in our group, and it’s important we put out a performance that makes him and his whanau proud in his 100th Test. Equally, it’s a special day for Simon and his family. He’s earned his selection through performance and consistency.”
The All Blacks will be aiming to bounce back after their opening-round performance, blending experienced leaders with fresh talent for what promises to be a physical encounter.
All Blacks Team vs Los Pumas (Rugby Championship, Round Two)
Starters: de Groot, Taylor (100th Test), Newell, S. Barrett (c), Holland, Vaa’i, Savea (vc), Parker*, Ratima, B. Barrett, R. Ioane, J. Barrett (vc), Proctor, Reece, Jordan
Replacements: Taukei’aho, Williams, Tosi, Lord, Sititi, F. Christie, Tupaea, McKenzie
*New cap
Unavailable: Patrick Tuipulotu (minor facial fracture), Anton Lienert-Brown (concussion)
English