Joe Moody to play 50th Test as All Blacks team named for second Investec Tri Nations Test against Argentina

Nov 26 • General News, International, National, New Zealand, Rugby Championship News, The Rugby Championship • 1151 Views • Comments Off on Joe Moody to play 50th Test as All Blacks team named for second Investec Tri Nations Test against Argentina

The All Blacks team has been named to play Argentina in the Investec Tri Nations Test at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, on Saturday 28 November (Kick off: 7.45PM AEDT, 9.45PM NZT LIVE and EXCLUSIVE in New Zealand on Sky).

The matchday 23 is as follows (Number of Test caps in brackets):

Joe Moody (49)

Dane Coles (73)

Nepo Laulala (28)

Scott Barrett (39)

Samuel Whitelock (121)

Akira Ioane (1)

Sam Cane (73) – captain

Ardie Savea (48)

Aaron Smith (96)

Richie Mo’unga (21)

Caleb Clarke (4)

Jack Goodhue (17)

Anton Lienert-Brown (48)

Jordie Barrett (22)

Beauden Barrett (88)

Codie Taylor (56)

Karl Tu’inukuafe (16)

Tyrel Lomax (5)

Patrick Tuipulotu (34)

Hoskins Sotutu (4)

TJ Perenara (68)

Rieko Ioane (33)

Will Jordan (1)

The key feature of the squad is the selection of loosehead prop Joe Moody in his 50th Test. Moody made his Test debut in 2014, and has started 42 of his Tests to date.

The matchday 23 also sees prop Nepo Laulala come into the starting front row, with Tyrel Lomax moving onto the bench alongside Karl Tu’inukuafe; lock Scott Barrett starts with Patrick Tuipulotu on the bench; and loose forward Akira Ioane will start in the number six jersey, after his Test debut against Australia in Brisbane was cut short.

In the backs reserves, TJ Perenara returns, while outside back Will Jordan, who also had limited time in the Brisbane Test, will also get another opportunity, coming off the bench.

VIDEO: To watch All Blacks Head Coach Ian Foster talk about the Test selection, click here.

All Blacks Head Coach Ian Foster said: “We’ve had a great week building into what will be a vital Test for us. It’s exciting in the sense that we have the opportunity to redeem ourselves after our last game, and we also have the opportunity to win the Investec Tri Nations.

“There’s a real determination in the team to perform well, not only for ourselves, but also our families and friends at home and our country.”
Foster has also congratulated Moody on his milestone.

“He’s a key part of our group; he’s rock solid and goes about his work in a really good way. He’s a popular member of the team and it’s a great achievement for him.”

Argentina beat the All Blacks in a historic first-ever win 12 days ago and Foster said the All Blacks were expecting another torrid battle.

“Argentina have shown two weeks in a row that they can compete at the highest level. They’ve grown as a nation, they’ve got good size and a lot of skill, so we’re certainly going in with our eyes wide open.”