All Blacks have their own beast

NEW CAP: FIFITA ADDS TO BOSS HANSEN’S POWER PLAN

Wellington

The All Blacks are looking to unleash a “beast” against Argentina in their Rugby Championship clash tomorrow as they seek to continue to build depth and put pressure on a resurgent South Africa.

Coach Steve Hansen had promised to experiment with his team and duly made seven changes to his starting side for the match in New Plymouth tomorrow.

With Liam Squire rested from the side that beat the Wallabies in their opening two matches and Jerome Kaino still out as he deals with a personal issue, Hansen has handed rookie loose forward Vaea Fifita his first start.

“I want to see a real physical beast we know he can be,” Hansen said of the 25-year-old, who now weighs 116kg having put over 6kg onto his 1.96m frame since being in the All Blacks set-up.

“He is physical, he likes being physical and that’s not something you can coach.”

In other changes to the team that beat Australia 35-29 two weeks ago in Dunedin, winger Nehe Milner-Skudder was the most noteworthy return after an injury-plagued two years.

“Been a little bit frustrating with injuries,” said Milner-Skudder, who has not played a test since the 2015 World Cup final.

“But to be here and to be in the mix for Saturday, I’m extremely proud and fizzing.”

Argentine coach Daniel Hourcade has also made several changes to the team that lost 41-23 to the Springboks in Salta two weeks ago as he also manages player fatigue.

The Pumas have never beaten New Zealand in 24 attempts, typically pushing the All Blacks for the first hour before the world champions pulled away.

“They are a good rugby team,” Hansen said. “If you don’t respect them, and don’t turn up ready to go, then they are capable of causing you problems.” – Reuters