All Blacks ring changes for Pumas clash

WELLINGTON (AFP) –

Veteran World Cup winning duo prop Tony Woodcock, pictured in 2011, and centre Conrad Smith were among five changes to the All Blacks side that beat Australia last time named Wednesday to start against Argentina in their Rugby Championship test in Wellington on Saturday.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen made five changes to the side named Thursday for the Rugby Championship clash against Argentina, anticipating a tough physical showdown against the Pumas.

As expected, veteran World Cup winners prop Tony Woodcock and centre Conrad Smith slot straight back into the starting line-up for Saturday’s Test in Wellington after returning from injury.

Hansen also included flanker Victor Vito and lock Brodie Retallick in the pack ahead of Liam Messam and Sam Whitelock respectively, giving the All Blacks added grunt against a Pumas side renowned for its strength in the forwards.

Julian Savea wins his third cap on the left wing in place of Hosea Gear, while prop Charlie Faumuina is set to make his All Blacks debut as he replaces Ben Franks on the bench.

Hansen said there was room for improvement after New Zealand’s last outing, a 22-0 win over arch-rivals Australia in which the All Blacks looked patchy at times, despite the lop-sided scoreline.

“We have been working on constantly improving our game and that has again been our focus this week,” said Hansen, who was assistant coach during the World Cup win last year and took on the top job when Graham Henry stepped down,

“We were happy with our intensity and attitude in the last Test against Australia, but not so happy with our execution, when we didn’t get the decision-making process right on occasions. So we are looking for improvement in that area this weekend.”

New Zealand top the Rugby Championship table after two wins over Australia and have not lost against Argentina in 14 Tests since 1985, most recently posting a 33-10 win in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

But the Pumas will have gained confidence from a 16-16 draw against South Africa late last month and Hensen said he was under no illusions about how tough Argentina would be.

“It is going to be very physical, especially up front, where they are traditionally very strong,” said the former Wales handler.

“We also have immense respect for their backline abilities plus they have one of the best defensive structures in modern rugby. They are always looking to work as a unit to shut you down.”

Team (15-1)

Israel Dagg; Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Julian Savea; Daniel Carter, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Victor Vito; Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano; Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Andrew Hore, Charlie Faumuina, Sam Whitelock, Liam Messam, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith