Joe Moody hits 50 for All Blacks

David Skippers

New Zealand's Joe Moody holds off Wales' Hallam Amos to scores his sides first try during the 2019 Rugby World Cup bronze final match at Tokyo Stadium. PA Photo. Picture date: Friday November 1, 2019. See PA story RUGBYU Wales. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. Strictly no commercial use or association. Still image use only. Use implies acceptance of RWC 2019 T&Cs (in particular Section 5 of RWC 2019 T&Cs) at URL: bit.ly/2knOId6

All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has made three alterations to his starting line-up for Saturday’s Tri Nations Test against Argentina in Newcastle.

The key feature of the squad is the selection of loosehead prop Joe Moody in his 50th game. Moody made his Test debut in 2014, and has started 42 of his Tests to date.

The matchday 23 also sees prop Nepo Laulala come into the starting front-row, with Tyrel Lomax moving onto the bench alongside Karl Tu’inukuafe. Elsewhere, lock Scott Barrett starts with Patrick Tuipulotu on the bench, while loose forward Akira Ioane will start in the number six jersey, after his Test debut against Australia in Brisbane was cut short.

In the backs reserves, TJ Perenara returns, while outside back Will Jordan, who also had limited time in the Brisbane Test, will also get another opportunity, coming off the bench.

Great week

Foster said: “We’ve had a great week building into what will be a vital Test for us. It’s exciting in the sense that we have the opportunity to redeem ourselves after our last game, and we also have the opportunity to win the Investec Tri Nations.

“There’s a real determination in the team to perform well, not only for ourselves, but also our families and friends at home and our country.”

Foster also congratulated Moody on his milestone.

“He’s a key part of our group; he’s rock solid and goes about his work in a really good way,” said the coach. “He’s a popular member of the team and it’s a great achievement for him.”

New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Jordie Barrett, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Hoskins Sotutu, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Rieko Ioane, 23 Will Jordan

Date: Saturday, November 28
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Kick-off: 19:45 local (08:45 GMT)
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
TMO: Paul Williams (New Zealand)