All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has gone for the tried and tested for his side's first Rugby Championship Test of the year, with skipper Scott Barrett predictably returning from injury and Ardie Savea picked at No.8.
It will be Savea's 98th Test and 100th match for the All Blacks.
With Du'Plessis Kirifi selected at openside flanker, the only change to the loose forwards from the All Blacks' last Test - against France in Hamilton - is Tupou Vaa'i's place in the No.6 jersey. Vaa'i comes in for Samipeni Finau, who is on the bench.
Robertson has gone for size on the bench against Argentina in Cordoba on Sunday morning NZT, with Finau the loose forward cover rather than Peter Lakai, who was also in the frame.
Loose forward Wallace Sititi remains out with an ankle injury but may be fit for the second Test against the Pumas in Buenos Aires next weekend. Prop Tamaiti Williams also remains sidelined.
There are few surprises elsewhere, with Fabian Holland retaining his place in the second row and Beauden Barrett named in the No.10 jersey outside halfback Cortez Ratima.
Billy Proctor will wear the No.13 jersey, with Rieko Ioane, Will Jordan and Sevu Reece making up the outside backs.
Finlay Christie is the halfback cover on the bench in the wake of the injuries to Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham. It will be Christie's first return to the match-day squad since the second Test of the last year's July series against England at Eden Park.
There is no room for newly picked loose forward Simon Parker or utility back Leroy Carter, the latter called in as injury cover for Caleb Clarke.
The All Blacks travelled to Cordoba from Buenos Aires during the week and Robertson said the squad had prepared well.
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“We’ve had a great week of training in Buenos Aires and the group is ready to go out and perform. Scott and our leaders have led from the front and there’s a lot of focus and motivation in the group for the start of the campaign.
“We know the Pumas identity is a fast and physical game and we’ve selected a team that will embrace the occasion. It’s been 30 years since the All Blacks played in Córdoba and we are looking forward to the passion and energy of the home crowd.”
All Blacks team to play Argentina in Cordoba
Kick-off 9.10am, Sunday NZT
1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett (c), 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Tupou Vaa'i, 7. Du'Plessis Kirifi, 8. Ardie Savea, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Rieko Ioane, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Will Jordan. Reserves: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Ollie Norris, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Samipeni Finau, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 23. Damian McKenzie.
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