Try-scoring Jordan on All Blacks bench for Argentina Test / Photo: © AFP
Try-scoring Jordan on All Blacks bench for Argentina Test
Prolific try-scorer Will Jordan was Thursday selected on the bench for New Zealand's Rugby Championship opener against Argentina in Wellington, while TJ Perenara starts at scrum-half on his return from injury.
Jordan, who can play wing or fullback, has scored 31 tries in as many Tests for the All Blacks.
But a shoulder injury has kept the 26-year-old out since last year's World Cup final.
Perenara returns for Saturday's clash with the Pumas after recovering from the knee injury sustained against England in the first Test last month.
Loose forward Ardie Savea, who was born in Wellington, captains the All Blacks as regular skipper Scott Barrett is out with a finger injury.
"It's a special night for Ardie leading the team in his home town and it's great to have TJ and Will back in the mix," said New Zealand coach Scott Robertson.
"We know Argentina will bring a lot of physicality and passion to the Test and we're ready for that challenge."
Anton Lienert-Brown come into the centres at the expense of Rieko Ioane, who drops to the bench.
Sam Darry of Auckland Blues will partner Waikato Chiefs forward Tupou Vaa'i in a new-look second row in the absence of Barrett and Patrick Tuipulotu, who has a calf injury.
The All Blacks have plenty of options in attack with twice world player of the year Beauden Barrett starting at full-back and Damian McKenzie at fly-half.
New Zealand (15-1)
Beauden Barrett; Sevu Reece, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Mark Tele'a; Damian McKenzie, TJ Perenara; Ardie Savea (captain), Dalton Papali'i, Ethan Blackadder; Sam Darry, Tupou Vaa'i; Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan De Groot.
Replacements: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Rieko Ioane, Will Jordan
A.Gonzalez--LGdM
