Hooker Hore recalled for All Blacks against Pumas

WELLINGTON: New Zealand have recalled hooker Andrew Hore for tomorrow’s Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in La Plata after resting the 35-year-old veteran for the home victory over South Africa.

Hore, capped 79 times for New Zealand, comes back into the side at the expense of up-and-coming rake Dane Coles.

‘‘We are very happy with where Dane is at and with his performances of late,’’ All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said yesterday.

‘‘But like a lot of the young players, we are also mindful of managing their game time as part of their development so have brought in Andrew to start this week.’’

New Zealand, who will be captained by number eight Kieran Read again in the absence of injured flanker Richie McCaw, are undefeated in the southern hemisphere tournament, and top the standings by four points from South Africa with two rounds left to play.

A slip-up against the Pumas, mired at the bottom of the table, could prove costly to the defending champions, however, given they clash with the Springboks in the final round at Ellis Park.

Meanwhile, Australia have made three personnel changes and one positional to the starting line-up against South Africa in Cape Town tomorrow.

Outside centre Tevita Kuridrani, leftwing Joe Tomane and lock James Horwill come into the side after an unimpressive 14-13 win over Argentina this month.

The trio replace suspended James O’Connor, injured Nick Cummins and out-of-favour Kane Douglas, who does not even make the bench.