NEWS: All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson gave his near unchanged forward pack a chance to redeem themselves against Argentina in the second Test of the Rugby Championship.
Four changes have been made for the rematch in Auckland, following last weekend’s 30-38 shock loss to Argentina in Wellington, with former captain Sam Cane getting an opportunity on the bench.
The pack only has one change with Tamaiti Williams coming in for Ethan de Groot who suffered a neck injury.
“I think every All Black forward pack, after a result like that, it’s a chance for a bit of redemption. And, you know, they’ve owned it,” Robertson told reporters.
Will Jordan replaces Sevu Reece on the right wing in his first Test start since the 2023 World Cup, having undergone shoulder surgery.
Caleb Clarke will slot into the No.11 jersey – replacing Blues teammate Mark Tele’a with fellow Blues back Rieko Ioane being recalled in place of Anton Leinert-Brown.
Robertson initially wanted to field the same pack of fowards who were outplayed by Argentina last week before the injury of De Groot came about.
“Look, we learned a lot last weekend, we all did. They’ve got to go and put it into action. That’s been our focus.”
De Groot joins the causality list that includes captain Scott Barrett (finger), Patrick Tuipulotu (calf), Stephen Perofeta (calf) and Luke Jacobson (hamstring)
Cane is recalled to the bench despite the plans of the former captain to retire from the Test arena at the end of the year to take up a contract with Japanese club Sungoliath.
The 95-Test veteran’s last outing in the black jersey was as captain in the 2023 World Cup Final where he was sent off with a red card for a dangerous tackle on Jesse Kriel in the 11-12 loss to South Africa in Paris.
Robertson stated that he wants Cane to bring a sense of calm in the latter stages of the game – something he felt was lacking in Wellington when the All Blacks squandered an early lead.
The All Blacks suffered their third loss to Argentina in 38 meetings, with two of them being in New Zealand.
Cane was thrilled for another opportunity to represent his country, following a neck injury he sustained back in January that cut his Japanese season short.
“A lot of hard work’s gone into getting back to this stage,” he said.
“I always believed that I could and that I had plenty to offer. I still back my ability.”
The last time the All Blacks suffered defeat at Eden Park was 30 years ago after going down to France – since then they racked up nearly 50 Test victories at the iconic venue.
