Beauden Barrett ruled out of New Zealand's clash against Argentina

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has made a forced change to the matchday squad for the third round of the Rugby Championship clash against Argentina to be played in Christchurch on Saturday.

Beauden Barrett, who sustained a neck injury during a training session will sit out of the encounter and his place on the bench has been taken by Stephen Perofeta with the latter in line to make his All Blacks debut.

Richie Mo'unga will continue to start at fly-half as the Sam Cane led side will be eyeing their second consecutive win in the competition.

The game will also see New Zealand's most capped international halfback making his 100th start for his country.

"It's great for us to be able to return to Christchurch," Foster said.

"The All Blacks have such a rich history here and it's exciting to build on that.

"The recent form of Argentina makes this a test one that we are looking forward to. And the fact that the Rugby Championship is incredibly even means this test is vital to us."

New Zealand currently are at the bottom of the Rugby Championship table with a win and a defeat apiece in the two games against the Springboks.

New Zealand matchday squad:

1.Ethan de Groot, 2.Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3.Tyrel Lomax, 4.Sam Whitelock, 5.Scott Barrett, 6.Shannon Frizell, 7.Sam Cane, 8.Ardie Savea, 9.Aaron Smith, 10.Richie Mo’unga, 11.Caleb Clarke, 12.David Havili, 13.Rieko Ioane, 14.Will Jordan, 15.Jordie Barrett

Reserves: 16.Codie Taylor, 17.George Bower,18.Fletcher Newell, 19.Tupou Vaa’i, 20.Akira Ioane, 21.Finlay Christie, 22.Stephen Perofeta, 23.Quinn Tupaea