Vito thrust into starting XV
All Black coach Steve Hansen has made five changes to his side for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash with the Pumas in Wellington.
Hansen has surprisingly opted for Victor Vito ahead of the in-form Liam Messam in the number six jersey in one of three changes to the pack.
Fit-again Tony Woodcock is reinstated at loosehead prop at the expense of Wyatt Crockett, who drops out of the matchday 22, while Brodie Retallick starts ahead of Sam Whitelock. Charlie Faumuina, who has been included on the bench, is in line to make his Test debut.
As expected, Conrad Smith returns after recovering from an eye injury to reunite with Ma’a Nonu in midfield and strong-running Julian Savea replaces Hosea Gear on the left wing.
"We have been working on constantly improving our game and that has again been our focus this week," Hansen said.
"We were happy with our intensity and attitude in the last test against Australia, but not so happy with our execution when we didn't get the decision-making process right on occasions, so we are looking for improvement in that area this weekend.
"It is going to be very physical, especially up front where they are traditionally very strong.
"We also have immense respect for their backline abilities plus they have one of the best defensive structures in modern rugby.
"They are always looking to work as a unit to shut you down."
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Victor Vito, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Liam Messam, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Ben Smith.
Date: Saturday, September 8
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19.35 (04.35 Arg time; 07.35 GMT)
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Assistant referees: George Clancy (Ireland), James Leckie (Australia)
TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
