The All Blacks have given first‑five Beauden Barrett the chance to redeem himself after the loss to South Africa, though several changes have been made to the side for Sunday's match in Argentina.

The All Blacks can wrap up the Rugby Championship title with a bonus point win and have picked near a full strength side, with another front rower set to fulfil a childhood dream that he thought had long gone.

Barrett stays in charge of steering the ship with Richie Mo'unga on the bench after Damian McKenzie returned home for a family bereavement.

TJ Perenara starts at halfback in his 50th test pushing Aaron Smith to the bench, while Sonny Bill Williams returns for the first time since injuring his shoulder in June and starts at second‑five, with Ryan Crotty outside him.

Anton Lienert‑Brown drops to the reserves.

Jordie Barrett's been left out of the 23 with Ben Smith moving to fullback and Waisake Naholo coming onto the wing.

Captain Kieran Read and Liam Squire were left in New Zealand meaning a loose forward reshuffle with Luke Whitelock and Shannon Frizell joining Sam Cane in the back row.

Ofa Tuungafasi starts at tighthead with Owen Franks getting a rest, while prop Angus Ta'avao is set to debut from the bench.

Argentina will host the All Blacks at 10.40am this Sunday while the Wallabies face South Africa at 3.05am Sunday.

 

The matchday 23 is:

1. Karl Tu'inukuafe (7)

2. Codie Taylor (36)

3. Ofa Tuungafasi (20)

4. Samuel Whitelock (103) ‑ captain

5. Scott Barrett (23)

6. Shannon Frizell (3)

7. Sam Cane (58)

8. Luke Whitelock (6)

9. TJ Perenara (49)

10. Beauden Barrett (67)

11. Rieko Ioane (18)

12. Sonny Bill Williams (47)

13. Ryan Crotty (39)

14. Waisake Naholo (22)

15. Ben Smith (72)

Reserves

16. Nathan Harris (16)

17. Tim Perry (3)

18. Angus Ta'avao

19. Patrick Tuipulotu (17)

20. Ardie Savea (29)

21. Aaron Smith (77)

22. Richie Mo'unga (2)

23. Anton Lienert‑Brown (28)

[Source: Radio NZ]

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