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Hore, Cruden recalled by All Blacks

All Black coach Steve Hansen made two changes to the team to play Argentina in the Rugby Championship Test at Estadio Ciudad de La Plata this Saturday.

One of the changes is injury-enforced, with Aaron Cruden in for the injured Daniel Carter in the No.10 jersey.

Veteran Andrew Hore has been recalled as the starting hooker for his 80th Test – with Dane Cole dropping straight out of the matchday 22, after being hailed as "the future" of New Zealand rugby just a fortnight ago.

There is just the one change on the bench, with Jeremy Thrush coming in as lock cover.

Kieran Read will again captain the team in the absence of the injured Richie McCaw.

Commenting on the change in hooker, Hansen said they are "very happy" with where Cole is at and with his performances against South Africa in Auckland.

"But, like a lot of the young players, we are also mindful of managing their game time as part of their development so have brought in Andrew to [Hore] start this week," the coach said.

New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 1 Julian Savea, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.

Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Jeremy Thrush, 20 Steven Luatua, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Charles Piutau.

Date: Saturday, September 28

Venue: Estadio Ciudad de la Plata, La Plata

Kick-off: 19.40 (22.40 GMT; 11.40 Sunday, September 29 NZ time)

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Leighton Hodges (Wales)

TMO: Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)

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