Overview
- Back-rower Simon Parker starts at No. 8 for his Test debut in the Aug. 23 rematch with Argentina, the only change to New Zealand’s starting XV.
- Codie Taylor earns his 100th cap, becoming the 14th All Black centurion and only the second hooker to reach the mark after Keven Mealamu.
- Prop Tamaiti Williams and loose forward Wallace Sititi return from injury on the bench, with Josh Lord and Quinn Tupaea also named among the replacements.
- Patrick Tuipulotu (facial fracture) and Anton Lienert-Brown (concussion) are unavailable after being hurt in the first Test in Córdoba, which New Zealand won 41-24.
- Coach Scott Robertson highlights a deliberate move to add size in the back row and reserves, viewing the configuration as preparation for upcoming clashes with South Africa.