All Blacks team named for Buenos Aires Test against Argentina

Sep 28 • General News, International • 2285 Views • Comments Off on All Blacks team named for Buenos Aires Test against Argentina

The All Blacks team has been named to play the Investec Rugby Championship match against Argentina at Estadio José Amalfitani, Buenos Aires, on Saturday 30 September 2017, with new All Black David Havili named in the run-on reserves.

The matchday 23 (with Test caps in brackets) is:

1. Kane Hames (3)

2. Dane Coles (52)

3. Nepo Laulala (7)

4. Luke Romano (28)

5. Scott Barrett (11)

6. Vaea Fifita (2)

7. Matt Todd (8)

8. Kieran Read (104) – Captain

9. Aaron Smith (65)

10. Beauden Barrett (57)

11. Rieko Ioane (7)

12. Sonny Bill Williams (40)

13. Anton Lienert-Brown (17)

14. Waisake Naholo (13)

15. Damian McKenzie (6)

16. Codie Taylor (23)

17. Wyatt Crockett (65)

18. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (8)

19. Patrick Tuipulotu (12)

20. Ardie Savea (20)

21. TJ Perenara (37)

22. Ngani Laumape (3)

23. David Havili – uncapped

As well as Havili, the matchday 23 for Saturday also features a number of other changes in the backs. Anton Lienert-Brown has been named in the 13 jersey, Waisake Naholo is on the right wing for his first match in this year’s Investec Rugby Championship, while Ngani Laumape will provide extra back cover.

In the forwards, Luke Romano and Scott Barrett have been named as the starting locks, with Patrick Tuipulotu named in the reserves in his first appearance in the All Blacks in 2017. Vaea Fifita is at blindside flanker and Matt Todd at openside in his fourth Test start.

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: “We’ve selected what we believe is a quality team and have high expectations that they’ll go out and put in a strong performance this weekend.

“The team has had a great week here in Buenos Aires. As always, our training throughout the week has been of paramount importance. Whilst this is a team requirement, it is also an individual necessity. Our training and preparation has to be bone deep, and when this is achieved, we always give ourselves the opportunity to play well on Saturday.

“In saying that, we are under no illusion about what we’ll be facing this weekend. After having a torrid tussle against us in New Plymouth, Argentina will be even more determined on their home pitch and in front of their passionate fans. Our job will be to start well and to put in a performance for the full 80 minutes.”

Mini biography – David Havili

The versatile David Havili has been making waves in the rugby world since making his debut for Tasman as a 19 year old in 2014. He made his Investec Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders the following year and showed his versatility by playing both wing, 12 and fullback. He cemented his place at fullback in 2017 and stamped his authority on the position: he was second in the Super Rugby statistics for defenders beaten and scored eight tries, while playing with assured maturity. The All Blacks selectors liked what they saw and called Havili into the Investec Rugby Championship squad as a replacement for the injured Jordie Barrett.

Name: David Havili

Position: Utility Back

Born: 23 December 1994 (22), Nelson

Weight: 95kg.

Height: 1.84m P

rovince: Tasman.

Provincial debut: 2014

Investec Super Rugby team: Crusaders.

Investec Super Rugby debut: 2015

Social media: Instagram: davidhavili. Twitter: @DavidHavili

Key notes

* The All Blacks have played Argentina 25 times with 24 wins to the All Blacks and one draw.

* When David Havili takes the field, as expected on Saturday, he will become All Black number 1161.

* Rieko Ioane has beaten more defenders (24) and made more breaks (12) than anyone else in the Investec Rugby Championship, while Sonny Bill Williams leads the way for offloads (11).

* Beauden Barrett kicked seven conversions in his last outing against South Africa, just the second player in history to kick seven conversions in three matches in a year. The first was current All Blacks selector Grant Fox who achieved the feat at the 1987 Rugby World Cup. Barrett has also been involved in nine tries in this tournament already (three tries and six assists), more than any other player. Barrett has also made more carries (49) than any other player.

* Codie Taylor is yet to misplace a lineout throw in this tournament (13/13).

* The All Blacks won The Rugby Championship in 2012 – 2014 and again in 2016, have held the Freedom Cup (played between New Zealand and South Africa) since 2010 and the Bledisloe Cup (played between New Zealand and Australia) since 2003.

Investec Rugby Championship

Australia 34 All Blacks 54. Saturday 19 August, ANZ Stadium, SYDNEY 2. All Blacks 35 Australia 29. Saturday 26 August, Forsyth Barr Stadium, DUNEDIN 3. All Blacks 39 Argentina 22. Saturday 9 Sept, Yarrow Stadium, NEW PLYMOUTH 4. All Blacks 57 South Africa 0. Saturday 16 September, QBE Stadium, AUCKLAND 5. vs. ARGENTINA. Sat 30 Sept, 7.30PM, Estadio José Amalfitani, BUENOS AIRES 6. vs. SOUTH AFRICA. Sat 7 October, 5.05PM, DHL Newlands, CAPE TOWN

Third Bledisloe Cup Test

1. vs. AUSTRALIA, Saturday 21 October, 8.05PM, Suncorp Stadium, BRISBANE