Mealamu at hooker against Argentina
All Black coach Steve Hansen made several changes to his team for the Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in La Plata on Saturday.
The forward pack features the return from injury of lock Samuel Whitelock and blindside flank Jerome Kaino.
With Dane Coles returning to New Zealand to be with his partner for the birth of their baby, Keven Mealamu starts at hooker – with Nathan Harris set to make a possible Test debut from the bench.
In the backs Malakai Fekitoa gets his third start for the All Blacks, coming in for the injured Ma'a Nonu.
Beauden Barrett gets his second start in the No.10 jersey – in the place of Aaron Cruden, who missed the trip to Argentina after a night out on the town.
Barrett's previous start was in the Test against Argentina in Napier three weeks ago.
Hansen said he was looking forward to seeing Malakai Fekitoa playing at No.12.
"Though it's disappointing having Ma'a injured, it is a great opportunity for the young man and one I'm sure he will take."
Hansen added he was also looking forward to seeing Nathan Harris make his Test debut off the bench.
"Nathan has been developing very well. It's well known that we don't have a lot of depth in this position, but we feel that Nathan is ready and capable of doing a very good job."
Finally, speaking on behalf of the entire All Blacks squad, Hansen also wished Dane Coles and his partner Sarah all the very best with the upcoming birth of their child.
"After a good week of preparation, we are really looking forward to, and excited by, the challenge that playing Argentina in Argentina brings," the All Black coach said.
"There is an expectation that we will have a quality performance full of excitement, energy, physicality and accuracy.
"To beat the Argentineans will require that of us, as they have been playing very well and have improved a lot since last year. With this being only their second home game in the Championship, there will be huge expectation on them to win."
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Malakai Fekitoa, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Reid, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Nathan Harris, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Ben Franks, 19 Jeremy Thrush, 20 Sam Cane, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Colin Slade, 23 Cory Jane.
Date: Saturday, September 27
Venue: Estadio Único Ciudad de La Plata, Buenos Aires
Kick-off: 19.10 (22.10 GMT, 10.10, Sunday, September 28 NZ time)
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Jérôme Garcès (France), Leighton Hodges (Wales)
TMO: Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)
