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All Blacks best for Pumas

They will be looking to become the first team to defend their World Cup title, and Hansen is clearly not taking any chances against Argentina at Wembley Stadium.

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“We’ve selected what we believe is a very strong team. We have the utmost respect for Argentina who we know a lot more about now because of their involvement in The Rugby Championship. But it also means they know a lot more about us.

“We will need to be at our very best to get our tournament away to a good start. We’ve had a great preparation and there will be no excuses for not performing on Sunday.All Blacks best for Pumas

“We’re all itching to get started and with 11 of the 23 players about to take part in their first Rugby World Cup match, there’s real excitement, enthusiasm and hunger in the group. We all can’t wait for our Tournament to start,” he said.

The 11 All Blacks marking their first World Cup appearance are Ben Smith, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Julian Savea, Aaron Smith, Brodie Retallick, Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara and Beauden Barrett.

Hansen said the squad has had a great build up since arriving in the United Kingdom.

“We’ve had a wonderful reception here in London. The boys have really enjoyed connecting with our fans and this wonderful city. But the business is about to start and we’re all looking forward to that because, after all, that’s why we’re here," he said.

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New Zealand: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Tony Woodcock.  

Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Sam Cane, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Sonny Bill Williams. 

Date: Sunday, September 20

Venue: Wembley Stadium, London

Kick-off: 16.45 (15.45 GMT; 12.45 Argentina time;01.45 Monday September 21 NZ time)

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

Assistant referees: JP Doyle (England), Angus Gardner (Australia)

TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)

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