Barrett to start at No.10 for All Blacks

Beauden Barrett will start as the All Blacks’ first five-eighth for the first time in Saturday’s Test against Argentina.

The 23-year-old Taranaki pivot is one of three changes for the Rugby Championship game in Napier from the starting side that crushed Australia two weeks ago.

Barrett, who has started on the bench in all his previous 21 Tests except for two as fullback, makes his first run-on appearance at No.10 after incumbent Aaron Cruden failed to recover from a chest injury suffered in the 51-20 demolition at Eden Park.

Coach Steve Hansen said the selectors were not prepared to chance further injury to Cruden.

“Aaron could have played but the selectors weren’t prepared to take the risk of him re-injuring himself and being out for a long period,” he said.

Colin Slade fills Barrett’s spot in the reserves.

Veteran back Ma’a Nonu returns to the midfield after missing the second Bledisloe Cup match with a shoulder injury while Israel Dagg regains the fullback jersey from Ben Smith.

Smith shifts to the right wing in place of Cory Jane who misses the 23-man side altogether.

“The selectors felt this was the right time to give Israel an opportunity,” said Hansen.

Jane’s demotion was not because of a lack of form, Hansen stressed.

“We have been very happy with his performances.”

Hansen said Argentina had the respect of the All Blacks after pushing the Springboks close in two Tests.

“(That) shows that they are capable of beating top opposition.”

Prop Charlie Faumuina has been dropped from the reserves after Hansen said the selectors had not been pleased with his form.

Joe Moody takes his place while lock Jeremy Thrush is poised for his sixth Test after being preferred instead of Steven Luatua.

Thrush was required because they wanted a specialist lock in the reserves.

Wet weather is forecast for the Test at McLean Park – just the second time the All Blacks have played at the ground.

They beat Samoa 51-10 there in 1996.

New Zealand: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Ben Franks, Joe Moody, Jeremy Thrush, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, Colin Slade, Malakai Fekitoa.

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