The All Blacks selectors have implemented notable changes to their lineup for the upcoming Rugby Championship match against Los Pumas in Buenos Aires. These adjustments include fresh faces in both the starting lineup and on the bench, as the team seeks to capitalize on strategic opportunities while managing player availability.
In the forward pack, the return of Tamaiti Williams to full fitness following knee surgery sees him reclaim a spot on the bench, replacing rookie Ollie Norris. Another significant change in the tight five is Josh Lord stepping in for the injured Patrick Tuipulotu, also on the bench. Meanwhile, in the loose forwards, Simon Parker is set to make his All Blacks debut at No. 8, resulting in vice-captain Ardie Savea shifting to the side of the scrum. Du’Plessis Kirifi will make way for Parker’s introduction.
Wallace Sititi, after a challenging year plagued by injuries, has been named as the loose forward cover on the bench. Sititi missed ten rounds of Super Rugby and the All Blacks’ four games in 2025, marking his return as a significant boost for the team. In the backs, the sole change involves Quinn Tupaea replacing the injured Anton Lienert-Brown in the No. 22 jersey.
Strategic Decisions and Tactical Adjustments
While Parker’s introduction is a tactical decision, other selections are primarily driven by player availability. Head coach Scott Robertson emphasized the importance of continuity early in the tournament, especially after a month-long break between campaigns. “We needed a bit of battle-hardened cohesion in our group, and also the opportunity for Simon, who’s had a couple of games under his belt in the NPC,” Robertson explained to reporters in Buenos Aires.
Robertson acknowledged the tough decision to leave out Du’Plessis Kirifi, noting, “Ardie’s very good at seven, and it’s a tough call on Du’Plessis; it was definitely not on form. He’s played well every opportunity that he’s got. So, just a little bit of a tweak to the forward pack.”
Head-to-Head Last 5 Meetings: 1 Win, 0 Draws, 4 Wins
Average Points Scored: 18 (All Blacks), 40 (Los Pumas)
First Try Wins: 80%
Home Team Wins: 20%
Parker’s Anticipated Debut and Bench Impact
Robertson expressed confidence in Parker’s readiness for the Test arena, highlighting his consistent performance in Super Rugby. “He’s consistent, really accurate, and in the last two weeks, he’s trained really well. So, he’s ready for it,” Robertson said of the rookie. “We know he’s Test-ready, we’ve kept an eye on him for a long time.”
The return of Williams and Sititi is expected to bring physicality and experience back into the fold, with both players poised to make significant contributions late in the game. Last week, the Kiwi bench proved decisive, with Samisoni Taukei’aho scoring two rolling maul tries to secure victory over Argentina.
Robertson expressed enthusiasm about the return of his 2024 standouts, stating, “They’re some big bodies. We’re really pleased, they’ve worked really hard. The timing for this opportunity, if you look at the entirety of the Test series, them getting back for this Test match is really important.”
Los Pumas’ Tactical Adjustments
Meanwhile, Los Pumas have also made strategic changes, introducing Juan Martin Gonzalez into the starting lineup for Marcos Kremer and bringing in Mateo Carreras for Rodrigo Isgro. Robertson acknowledged the threat posed by Carreras, describing him as a “pretty unique player” with a “great skillset, very quick, very elusive.”
As the All Blacks prepare for this crucial encounter, the focus remains on maintaining cohesion and leveraging the strengths of both seasoned players and promising newcomers. With the Rugby Championship heating up, the strategic tweaks and player returns could prove pivotal in shaping the outcome of the match against a formidable Argentine side.
