All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson and his co-selectors have named a formidable squad to face Argentina in the opening match of the 2024 Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship at Sky Stadium in Wellington.
No.8 Ardie Savea will captain the team, marking his ninth time as skipper, as Scott Barrett recovers from finger surgery. The team sees the return of experienced players TJ Perenara and Will Jordan from injury, bringing strength and depth to the lineup. Savea, excited to lead in his hometown, highlights the team’s strong preparation and solid foundation laid through the year’s first three tests.
The squad also features new and emerging talents, with Sam Darry earning his second start at lock and Wallace Sititi expected to make an impact off the bench in his second Test.
The experienced Anton Lienert-Brown will partner with vice-captain Jordie Barrett in the midfield, a combination that promises to bring stability and creativity.
Coach Robertson emphasised the importance of winning key contests and performing well against a physical and passionate Argentine side. With several players unavailable due to injury, including Patrick Tuipulotu and Luke Jacobson, the selected squad is geared to face the challenge head-on, maintaining the All Blacks’ competitive edge.
All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets)
- Ethan De Groot (25)
- Codie Taylor (87) (Vice Captain)
- Tyrel Lomax (34)
- Tupou Vaa’i (28)
- Sam Darry (1)
- Ethan Blackadder (11)
- Dalton Papali’i (34)
- Ardie Savea (84) (Captain)
- TJ Perenara (82)
- Damian McKenzie (50)
- Mark Tele’a (11)
- Jordie Barrett (60) (Vice Captain)
- Anton Lienert-Brown (73)
- Sevu Reece (26)
- Beauden Barrett (126)
- Asafo Aumua (9)
- Ofa Tu’ungafasi (59)
- Fletcher Newell (16)
- Josh Lord (4)
- Wallace Sititi (1)
- Cortez Ratima (2)
- Rieko Ioane (71)
- Will Jordan (31)
Game one of The Rugby Championship 😤
Be there: https://t.co/E7gZ5sRywS pic.twitter.com/eVZoWzPMW6
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 7, 2024
