Hansen shows Pumas respect by selecting ‘leaders’ to pave way

Rotation was inevitable in Argentina but the All Blacks have not been as radical as many expected.

Given the All Blacks made seven starting changes last time they played the Pumas, you could even suggest they have been a tad conservative in some areas.

The backline, in particular, which lines up in Buenos Aires on Sunday morning (NZT) has a formidable look.

Other than perhaps Waisake Naholo, who makes his first appearance for the All Blacks in almost three months on the right wing, this is head coach Steve Hansen’s strongest available back division.

Even then, there is probably not a lot between Naholo and Nehe Milner-Skudder.

With the right platform, and Rieko Ioane lurking on the other edge, this backline has plenty of points in them.

After leaving five senior players in New Zealand — four of them from the starting pack and Ryan Crotty the other — significant change was always coming. But Hansen has been careful to respect the Pumas in their backyard and ensure his team has enough experience in key decisionmaking roles.

“The All Blacks jersey is not something you give away,” Hansen said. “This team merits the best team we can pick with the people we have available under the circumstances, so that’s what we’ve done.”

Thus Hansen has resisted the urge to hand Ngani Laumape and rookie Crusaders fullback David Havili starts. Both have to wait for their introductions from the bench.

“There’s not too many of our guys we chuck in the deep end with a start. Usually it’s easier for them to come off the bench and it’s the same with David,” Hansen said.

Sonny Bill Williams has again been favoured at second five-eighth, while Damian McKenzie gets his fifth successive crack at the back.

As the only other natural first-five option, McKenzie will also be expected to cover Beauden Barrett.

With Lima Sopoaga staying home for the birth of his first child, Hansen has stuck with his first-choice halves pairing. There is no room for Tawera Kerr-Barlow, with TJ Perenara deputising Aaron Smith as usual.

“It’s more a reflection that we want our leaders on the park. We’ve left a few home so we want the best people we can get out there.”

With no Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane or Liam Squire, the pack appears much greener than the backline.

Vaea Fifita gets a chance to repeat his stunning efforts against the Pumas in New Plymouth with his second start at blindside, although he has

This team merits the best team we can pick with the people we have available. All Blacks coach Steve Hansen

been asked to do more of the tight work this time around.

Fifita’s inclusion means Jerome Kaino’s return does not stretch to the match-day squad and increases the notion that time may be running out for the 81-test veteran to prove his worth.

“He’s the same as everybody else. He’s got to earn the right to play in the jersey. Squire and Vaea took the opportunity to play well in his absence and he’ll have to wait his turn, too.”

As has been the case previously, namely against the Springboks in Durban last year, Matt Todd has been brought in from outside the squad to start at openside.

It’s the same theory used in regards to loosehead props Kane Hames and Wyatt Crockett, where the All Blacks feel Todd is better starting and Ardie Savea more suited to adding impact off the bench.

Luke Romano, widely praised for his off-field work in devising a strategy to pick apart the Boks lineout, is paired with Crusaders teammate Scott Barrett in the second row, with Patrick Tuipulotu set for his first test of 2017 after a turbulent season.

With powerful contributions to come from the bench, Hansen can hardly be accused of taking the Pumas lightly.