The All Blacks have sprung a surprise for their first test of the year against Argentina, with Damian McKenzie set to start at No 10.
McKenzie, who has been mostly used in a fullback or utility role for the All Blacks but started the majority of games at first-five for the Chiefs this season, gets the first crack to impress in the No 10 jersey, with Richie Mo’unga named on the bench and Beauden Barrett at fullback.
It will be McKenzie’s third test wearing No 10, having previously taken the reins against France in 2018 and Argentina in 2021, with the playmaker having not pulled on the black jersey since 2021 but returning to the side for the Rugby Championship clash in Mendoza.
There is a debut for Emoni Narawa on the wing, while Josh Lord, who also hasn’t played for the All Blacks since 2021, will play his third test, named alongside Scott Barrett in the starting lineup. Tupou Vaa’i is on the bench and Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock haven’t been selected.