Mealamu back at hooker for All Blacks

Veteran Keven Mealamu will return to the No.2 jersey for the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship Test against Argentina, while back-up hooker Nathan Harris is in line to earn his first cap off the bench.

Their respective selections follow the return of incumbent starter Dane Coles to New Zealand for the birth of his first child.

Coles wasn’t scheduled to leave Buenos Aires until after the Test on Sunday morning (AEST) and his earlier-than-expected departure continues a disrupted build-up for the All Blacks.

Their flight out of Auckland last weekend was delayed by a day and then five-eighth Aaron Cruden was stood down for the last two Rugby Championship Tests for failing to get on the plane after a late night out.

Mealamu, 35, has 117 caps and has appeared in all seven Tests in 2014, but his last start was at the end of last year against England.

Harris’ inclusion in the reserves continues a rapid rise for the 22-year-old, a Super Rugby debutant this year with the Chiefs.

Coach Steve Hansen says Harris has been developing well in his time in the All Blacks environment.

“It’s well known that we don’t have a lot of depth in this position, but we feel that Nathan is ready and capable of doing a very good job,” he said.

In all, there are five changes to the All Blacks’ starting 15 from the side’s 14-10 win over South Africa in Wellington.

There is a further injection of experience in the pack with the return from injury of blindside flanker Jerome Kaino (elbow) and lock Sam Whitelock (rib cartilage).

At inside centre, Malakai Fekitoa takes over from the seasoned Ma’a Nonu, who is out with a broken arm.

It will be a fourth cap for 22-year-old Fekitoa, who more usually plays at outside centre.

Cruden’s absence means Beauden Barrett will wear the No.10 jersey.

Skipper Richie McCaw is set to equal the great Colin Meads’ All Blacks record of 133 games, a tally that included 55 Tests.

Since his debut in 2001, McCaw has played 132 Tests and one match against the Barbarians in 2009.

The All Blacks go into the encounter at La Plata, 55km from downtown Buenos Aires, top of the table.

A bonus-point win will ensure them a third successive title ahead of the final-round clash against the Springboks in Johannesburg the following weekend.

All Blacks: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Conrad Smith, Malakai Fekitoa, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves: Nathan Harris, Joe Moody, Ben Franks, Jeremy Thrush, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, Colin Slade, Cory Jane.

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