Prolific try scorer Will Jordan has been named on the bench for New Zealand’s Rugby Championship against Argentina in Wellington on Thursday, while TJ Perenara starts at scrum-half after returning from injury.
Jordan, who can play on the wing or at full-back, has scored 31 tries in as many Tests for the All Blacks.
But the 26-year-old has been sidelined by a shoulder injury since last year’s World Cup final.
Perenara returns for Saturday’s clash with the Pumas after recovering from a knee injury sustained against England in the first Test last month.
Wellington-born loose forward Ardie Savea captains the All Blacks with regular skipper Scott Barrett out with a finger injury.
“It’s a special night for Ardie leading the team in his hometown and it’s great to have TJ and Will back in the mix,” New Zealand coach Scott Robertson said.
Anton Lienert-Brown comes into the center at the expense of Riek Ioan, who drops to the bench.
Auckland Blues’ Sam Darry will partner Waikato Chiefs Tupou Vaa’i in the new second row in the absence of Barrett and Patrick Tuipulota, who has a calf injury.
The All Blacks have plenty of options in attack with two-time World Player of the Year Beauden Barrett starting at full-back and Damian McKenzie at half-back.
