Saili to make All Black debut against Argentina

All Black coach Steve Hansen has announced the team that will face Argentina in Hamilton on Saturday, September 7.

The team sees a few changes from the side that defeated the Wallabies two weeks ago, with Dan Carter returning to the flyhalf position and a debutant, Francis Saili, getting the number 12 jersey after Ma’a Nonu picked up an ankle injury.

“With Ma’a’s ongoing niggly ankle we have taken the opportunity to rest him and introduce Francis to international rugby,” said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen. “We have complete faith in his ability to do the job. He is a very exciting, young player who has a multi-talented skillset that should suit Test rugby.”

Beauden Barrett also makes his return to the bench, which would bring a sigh of relief to Hansen to have another playmaker back.

“It’s also pleasing to see the return of both Dan and Beauden from their enforced injury layoffs. Their experience and skillsets will obviously be a great advantage to the All Blacks.”

All Blacks – 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Francis Saili, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock
Subs: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Ben Franks, 19 Jeremy Thrush, 20 Sam Cane, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Charles Piutau.