The selection of hooker Codie Taylor in the starting line up to play Argentina in Buenos Aires on Sunday for his 100th Test is no surprise, but All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has rolled the dice on Simon Parker to start at No.8 for his first international appearance.
Parker, the Chiefs and Northland loose forward, was named in his inaugural All Blacks squad this month after not being available for last month's series against France due to injury, and, after arriving in Argentina late last week and not playing in the victory in Cordoba, the 25-year-old has been given the nod.
It won't be seen as a gamble as such - but perhaps more so is Robertson's decision to name prop Tamaiti Williams and Wallace Sititi on the reserves bench when the coach wants to manage the game time of the pair who are both returning from injury.
An early issue in the front row or loose forward stocks could see either man thrust into action early in Buenos Aires. Robertson has already said the pair aren't ready for 80 minutes of Test rugby.
For Taylor, the 100-Test milestone will be a popular one. The Crusaders man, 34, is a well-liked member of the squad and will once again lead the haka on Sunday.
“Codie is a great All Black," Robertson said. "He carries a huge amount of mana in our group and it’s important we put out a performance that makes him and his whānau proud in his 100th Test. The way he carries himself and the example he sets are testament to him as a person and he will front this week in the same way he has for the past 99 Tests.
“Equally, it’s a special day for Simon and his family. He’s earned his selection through performance and consistency. He’s a big, physical man, and he’s ready to make an impact.”
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including the Menendez brothers fight for freedom, the level of unhealthy ads our kids see, and the Black Ferns eye up a three-peat. (Source: 1News)
Taylor made his Test debut against Argentina in Christchurch in 2015.
Parker's starting role, which will shift Ardie Savea to the openside flank, is in the only change to the team that started in Cordoba.
Levin-born Taylor is just the second All Blacks hooker to reach 100 Tests after Keven Mealamu who played 133 Tests between 2002-2015.
There are five changes in total from the match day 23 that beat the Pumas 41-24 last weekend, with Williams and Sititi returning from knee and ankle injuries respectively.
Lock Josh Lord comes into the squad for Patrick Tuipulotu, who was ruled out due to a minor facial fracture, while midfielder Quinn Tupaea will provide impact from the reserves due to Anton Lienert-Brown's unavailability due to concussion.
“All of the players who have come into the squad have worked really hard and earned their place at training and it’s great to have Tamaiti and Wallace back in the mix," Robertson said. "Our bench will bring energy and impact to the battle.”
All Blacks match-day squad to play Argentina in Buenos Aires
(Test caps in brackets; * denotes debutant)
1. Ethan de Groot (33), 2. Codie Taylor (99) , 3. Fletcher Newell (26), 4. Scott Barrett (82) (Captain), 5. Fabian Holland (4) , 6. Tupou Vaa’i (41) , 7. Ardie Savea (98) (Vice-Captain), 8. Simon Parker *, 9. Cortez Ratima (15), 10. Beauden Barrett (137), 11. Rieko Ioane (84), 12. Jordie Barrett (72) (Vice-Captain) , 13. Billy Proctor (5), 14. Sevu Reece (35), 15. Will Jordan (45). Reserves: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (34), 17. Tamaiti Williams (18), 18. Pasilio Tosi (10), 19. Josh Lord (7), 20. Wallace Sititi (10), 21. Finlay Christie (24), 22. Quinn Tupaea (16), 23. Damian McKenzie (65) .
SHARE ME