Get Newsletter

McKenzie set for NZ debut

With the title already wrapped up, Hansen named an experimental side featuring four changes to the starting XV and another five on the bench.

ADVERTISEMENT

The World Cup-winning coach said he wanted to give his young players experience and increase the squad's depth.

"At some point we've got to play these people and trust them. We think they're ready," he said.

Liam Squire gets his first Test start at blindside flank after earning three caps from the bench, replacing the injured Jerome Kaino.

Lock Patrick Tuipulotu comes on for Sam Whitelock, who goes onto the bench, while centre Malakai Fekitoa has been dropped from the matchday squad entirely in favour of Anton Lienert-Brown.

TJ Perenara's strong form helping the Hurricanes to the Super Rugby title has finally been rewarded with a start at scrumhalf in place of Aaron Smith.

The most notable inclusion on the bench is dynamic Chiefs fullback Damian McKenzie, who is set to make his international debut if Beauden Barrett is given a breather late in the match.

ADVERTISEMENT

New Zealand: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Israel Dagg, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Joe Moody.

Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 19 Sam Whitelock, 20 Elliot Dixon, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Lima Sopoaga, 23 Damian McKenzie.

Date: Saturday, October 1

Venue: Velez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires

Kick-off: 19.10 (22.10 GMT; 11.10 NZST Sunday, October 2)

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)

TMO: Johan Greeff (South Africa)

Agence France-Presse

Join free

Boks Office | Episode 9 | Six Nations Round 4 Review

Beyond 80 | Episode 4

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Who can truly be called the best rugby side in the world

Justin Marshall | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Sevens Challenger Montevideo - Day 3

Japan Rugby League One | Wildknights v Bravelupus | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 8 | Six Nations Round 4 Preview

Los Angeles HSBC SVNS - Day 3 - Full Replay

Write A Comment