ABs make nine changes

Nine changes all told, that’s almost unheard of for the All Blacks. But with building depth and managing workloads foremost in mind, Steve Hansen has handed out a number of long-awaited chances against the Pumas in Buenos Aires on Sunday (NZ time).

Liam Squire gets his first test start on the blindside, selected ahead of Elliot Dixon to replace the injured Jerome Kaino. Anton Lienert-Brown also makes his maiden test start at centre outside Ryan Crotty with Malakai Fekitoa given a ‘‘breather’’ after featuring in all but one outing for the All Blacks this year.

TJ Perenara’s form revival has been rewarded, with Aaron Smith given the week off and Tawera Kerr-Barlow coming onto a rejigged bench. The final of four starting changes sees big Patrick Tuipulotu get the chance to prove his worth from the outset in just his second start after donning the No 5 jersey against the USA in Chicago last year. Tuipulotu partners Brodie Retallick with Sam Whitelock dropping to the reserves.

That’s not all. A debut from the bench awaits electric Chiefs utility Damian McKenzie; his inclusion heading up five tweaks to the bench. Ben Smith will provide midfield cover while Dixon could come on in any of the loose forward roles if needed.

Hansen has been open about All Blacks team: Ben Smith, Israel Dagg, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ryan Crotty, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Kieran Read, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Joe Moody. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Sam Whitelock, Elliot Dixon, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Lima Sopoaga, Damian McKenzie plans to rotate on this tour and with a fully-fit squad he was spoilt for choice.

‘‘There’s a lot of change for a team that doesn’t change much there’s no doubt about that but there’s a lot of good reasons for why we need to do it,’’ Hansen said. ‘‘We’re going to go round the world twice; we’ve got a 24 hour flight to South Africa with no recovery time and we’re going to play another seven test matches so at some point we’ve got to play these people and trust them. We think they’re ready.’’

So far this season the All Blacks have adopted largely settled sides, only making forced adjustments through injury. But at this stage of the season Hansen clearly feels the time is right to balance the risk and reward elements that come with making several changes.

Of all the comings and goings, Lienert-Brown’s inclusion at cen- tre will probably catch most by surprise. Having another player who naturally covers both midfield roles is a valuable asset. This chance, on the back of his impressive test debut at second five-eighth against the Wallabies in Wellington, highlights the faith the coaches already have in the 21-year-old after three tests.

‘‘He’s looked good at training whenever we’ve had him there over the past month,’’ Hansen said. ‘‘We just want to give Mala a bit of a breather.’’

Perenara’s growth has been one of the success stories of the season. Originally left out of the June series against Wales, the Hurricanes halfback accepted the kick up the rear and came back to produce his best test performance to help spark the All Blacks storm home over the Pumas in Hamilton.

‘‘TJ has had a particularly good season with us. Every game he’s played since the June series he’s been outstanding. He’s clearing the ball off the deck the way we want him to and doing everything right.’’

As for McKenzie, the All Blacks have been extra patient in forcing the 21-year-old to wait for his chance after first being selected in the June squad. But with his parents in the stands on Sunday (NZT), the McKenzie family can finally celebrate their proud moment.

‘‘I’d say he’s pretty excited but the reason you have to wait is you’ve got to be ready when we put you out there.’’