WELLINGTON – Explosive winger Waisake Naholo and crafty halfback TJ Perenara have been named by Steve Hansen to start against Argentina in Christchurch on Friday.
The accolades keep coming for winger Naholo who just over a fortnight ago won the Super Rugby Championship with the Highlanders. The debut appearance certainly vindicates the 24 year old’s decision to do a back-flip on a move to Clermont in the off-season after being informed that he was being watched very closely by All Black selectors.
Hurricane TJ Perenara earns a rare start with incumbent Aaron Smith given a week off along with Conrad, Ben Smith and Dane Coles after all having very heavy Super Rugby workloads.
Perenara and Naholo’s inclusion in the side is two of four changes made by Coach Steve Hansen with Ma’a Nonu coming back in to the side replacing Ryan Crotty and Brodie Retallick coming in for Sam Whitelock.
All Blacks team to play Argentina
Israel Dagg (Crusaders), Waisake Naholo (Highlanders) Ma’a Nonu (Hurricanes), Sonny Bill Williams (Chiefs), Charles Piutau (Blues), Dan Carter (Crusaders), T J Perenara (Hurricanes); Kieran Read (Crusaders), Richie McCaw (c) (Crusaders), Jerome Kaino (Blues), Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), Luke Romano (Chiefs), Owen Franks (Crusaders), Keven Mealamu (Blues), Tony Woodcock (Blues). Reserves: Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Wyatt Crockett (Crusaders), Nepo Laulala (Crusaders), Jeremy Thrush (Hurricanes), Liam Messam (Chiefs), Andy Ellis (Crusaders), Colin Slade (Crusaders), Ryan Crotty (Crusaders).