Wallace Sititi, once a beacon of hope for the All Blacks in 2024, finds himself sidelined to the bench as Scott Robertson makes a gutsy call to debut Simon Parker at number eight against Argentina in Buenos Aires this Saturday. Despite his previous standout performances, Sititi's 2025 has been marred by injuries, causing him to miss significant playing time, including the July series against France.
Robertson's line-up sees Ardie Savea reverting to openside flanker, with Tupou Vaa’i filling in at blindside. The core of the All Blacks pack remains unaltered with Fabian Holland and captain Scott Barrett as locks. The front row features Fletcher Newell, Ethan de Groot, and Codie Taylor, who will be earning his 100th cap in this match.
"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 wh?nau proud in his 100th Test," Robertson stated.
The choice to maintain the same backline from their last outing, despite criticism, means Billy Proctor and Rieko Ioane will again team up in the midfield, flanked by Will Jordan and Sevu Reece. Beauden Barrett and Cortez Ratima continue their roles as the key half-back partnership.
Off the field, the bench is packed with potential, featuring not only Sititi but also Tamaiti Williams, who's coming back from injury. Samisoni Taukei’aho, Pasilio Tosi, and Josh Lord round out the forward cover. The backline reserves will see Finlay Christie, Damian McKenzie, and Quinn Tupaea ready to step in, leaving Du’Plessis Kirifi out of the squad this week.
"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," added Robertson.
The All Blacks are set to take on Argentina at Estado Velez Sarsfield, with the game kicking off at 18:10 local time. Nic Berry will referee the match, with assistants Pierre Brousset and Morné Ferreira, and Marius van der Westhuizen acting as TMO.
All Blacks squad: Starters: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, Cortez Ratima, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea, Tupou Vaa’i, Fabian Holland, Scott Barrett (c), Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Finlay Christie, Quinn Tupaea, Damian McKenzie.
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Wallace Sititi, once a beacon of hope for the All Blacks in 2024, finds himself sidelined to the bench as Scott Robertson makes a gutsy call to debut Simon Parker at number eight against Argentina in Buenos Aires this Saturday. Despite his previous standout performances, Sititi's 2025 has been marred by injuries, causing him to miss significant playing time, including the July series against France.
Robertson's line-up sees Ardie Savea reverting to openside flanker, with Tupou Vaa’i filling in at blindside. The core of the All Blacks pack remains unaltered with Fabian Holland and captain Scott Barrett as locks. The front row features Fletcher Newell, Ethan de Groot, and Codie Taylor, who will be earning his 100th cap in this match.
"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 wh?nau proud in his 100th Test," Robertson stated.
The choice to maintain the same backline from their last outing, despite criticism, means Billy Proctor and Rieko Ioane will again team up in the midfield, flanked by Will Jordan and Sevu Reece. Beauden Barrett and Cortez Ratima continue their roles as the key half-back partnership.
Off the field, the bench is packed with potential, featuring not only Sititi but also Tamaiti Williams, who's coming back from injury. Samisoni Taukei’aho, Pasilio Tosi, and Josh Lord round out the forward cover. The backline reserves will see Finlay Christie, Damian McKenzie, and Quinn Tupaea ready to step in, leaving Du’Plessis Kirifi out of the squad this week.
"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," added Robertson.
The All Blacks are set to take on Argentina at Estado Velez Sarsfield, with the game kicking off at 18:10 local time. Nic Berry will referee the match, with assistants Pierre Brousset and Morné Ferreira, and Marius van der Westhuizen acting as TMO.
All Blacks squad:
Starters: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, Cortez Ratima, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea, Tupou Vaa’i, Fabian Holland, Scott Barrett (c), Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Finlay Christie, Quinn Tupaea, Damian McKenzie.