Man down? No problem. Ardie Savea is slotting into No 8 this Saturday as the All Blacks prepare to face off against Argentina in Cordoba. With Wallace Sititi and Luke Jacobson nursing injuries, Savea is pulling a switcheroo from his usual openside flanker role to hold down the fort at the base of the scrum. He'll be flanked by Du’Plessis Kirifi and Tupou Vaa’i in what promises to be a formidable back row.
In other roster shuffles, Cortez Ratima is seizing his moment as he steps in at scrumhalf, alongside the recovered Beauden Barrett, following injuries to Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham. The backline sees Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor pairing up in the centres, while the speedy trio of Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, and Rieko Ioane will be looking to wreak havoc from the back three.
"We’ve had a great week of training in Buenos Aires and the group is ready to go out and perform,"
Coach Robertson declared, underscoring the team's readiness. Up front, Scott Barrett marks his return by captaining the side and partnering with Fabian Holland in the second row. The front row remains solid with Fletcher Newell at tighthead, Codie Taylor as the hooker, and Ethan de Groot at loosehead prop.
Off the bench, Robertson is playing it safe with seasoned players for the Rugby Championship opener. Finlay Christie gets the nod over uncapped Kyle Preston at scrumhalf, and Anton Lienert-Brown is preferred to Quinn Tupaea and Timoci Tavatavanawai, adding some serious depth and experience for later in the game.
"It’s been 30 years since the All Blacks played in Cordoba and we are looking forward to the passion and energy of the home crowd."
The last time the All Blacks visited Cordoba, most of the current squad were in diapers or mere twinkles in their parents' eyes. This historic backdrop sets the stage for what should be an electrifying match-up. With a team brimming with skill across every position, the All Blacks are not just playing for a win, but for a continuation of their legacy in a city that has waited three decades for their return.