The All Blacks return to action this weekend after sweeping aside a spirited England side in July. This time they will face Argentina in the Rugby Championship as they hope to make an unceremonious return to the top of the international order. They were eliminated by South Africa in the 2023 World Cup final.

Savea will captain the All Blacks for the ninth time, replacing Scott Barrett, who is recovering from surgery on a broken finger. TJ Perenara and Will Jordan return from injury to join a vastly experienced Test squad. Only Sam Darry has fewer than 10 Test appearances as he makes only his second appearance in the black for New Zealand.

Before the match, Savea said: “We have built a solid foundation in the first three Test matches of the year and are well prepared for what will be a physical Test against Argentina this week.”

All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson added that the team was focused and ready ahead of the first Test match of the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship:

“It’s a special night for Ardie to manage the team in his hometown and it’s great to have TJ and Will back in the team. Once again there were some close calls but we’ve picked a squad that will win important competitions and perform on Saturday. We know Argentina will bring a lot of physicality and passion to the Test and we’re up for the challenge.”

All Blacks matchday 23 (Test caps in brackets)

1. Ethan DeGroot (25)
2. Codie Taylor (87) (Vice President)
3. Tyrell Lomax (34)
4. Tupou Vaa’i (28)
5. Sam Darry (1)
6. Ethan Blackadder (11)
7. Dalton Papali (34)
8. Ardie Savea (84) (Captain)
9. TJ Perenara (82)
10. Damian McKenzie (50)
11. Mark Tele (11)
12. Jordie Barrett (60) (Vice Captain)
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (73)
14. Sevu Reece (26)
15. Beauden Barrett (126)

16. Asafo Aumua (9)
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (59)
18. Fletcher Newell (16)
19. Josh Lord (4)
20. Wallace Site (1)
21. Cortez Ratima (2)
22. Rieko Ioane (71)
23. Will Jordan (31)

Injured players: Scott Barrett (finger surgery), Patrick Tuipulotu (calf), Stephen Perofeta (calf), Luke Jacobson (hamstring).