Hooker Codie Taylor will become the 14th All Black to reach 100 Test caps when he runs out against Argentina for the second round of the Rugby Championship.
Taylor, 34, who made his Test debut against Argentina in Christchurch in 2015, will bring up his milestone alongside 25-year-old Chiefs and debutant loose forward Simon Parker, who will start at No.8. Ardie Savea shifts to the openside flank in the only change to the team that started in Cordoba.
Levin-born Taylor is just the second All Blacks hooker to reach 100 Tests after Keven Mealamu, who played 133 Tests between 2002-2015.
All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson said it was important the team’s performance was reflective of the mana Taylor had put into the jersey.
“Codie is a great All Black… he carries a huge amount of mana in our group and it’s important we put out a performance that makes him and his whānau proud in his 100th Test,” said Robertson.
“The way he carries himself and the example he sets are testament to him as a person and he will front this week in the same way he has for the past 99 Tests.
“Equally, it’s a special day for Simon and his family. He’s earned his selection through performance and consistency. He’s a big, physical man, and he’s ready to make an impact.”
There are five changes in total from the match day 23 that beat the Pumas 41-24 in Cordoba, with prop Tamaiti Williams and loose forward Wallace Sititi returning from knee and ankle injuries respectively to take their place in the reserves.
Lock Josh Lord comes into the squad for Patrick Tuipulotu, who was ruled out due to a minor facial fracture, while midfielder Quinn Tupaea will provide impact from the reserves.
“All of the players who have come into the squad have worked really hard and earned their place at training and it’s great to have Tamaiti and Wallace back in the mix,” concluded Robertson.
“Our bench will bring energy and impact to the battle.”
New Zealand – 15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Simon Parker, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Damian McKenzie.
