Brodie Retallick to lead New Zealand against Argentina

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has confirmed Brodie Retallick will be leading the side in the third round of the Rugby Championship to be played at CBUS Super Stadium on Sunday.

The decision follows after Sam Cane and Sam Whitelock are not available for the encounter while Ardie Savea, who led them in the Perth match against the Wallabies is ruled out following a head knock.

Foster has also made six changes to the starting line-up with Luke Jacobson coming at back row taking the place of Savea. Jordie Barrett, whose red card decision was overturned is retained at fullback while Sevu Reece and George Bridge return at right and left wing respectively.

Anton Lienert-Brown and David Havili are retained at midfield with scrum-half TJ Perenara gaining a promotion to form a half back partnership with Beauden Barrett. While the second row sees no change, Asafo Aumua and Karl Tu’inukuafe returns at front row joining Nepo Laulala.

“Brodie is a great leader in this team and we don’t take his leadership for granted,” said Foster.

“We think this is a great honor for him and he and his family can be hugely proud.

“The key to selection this week has been about managing the player workload across the whole squad, which I think all teams will be doing in the championship.

“We’ve had a great build-up in Perth and we’re looking forward to getting to Queensland to finish our preparation.

“We want to ensure we have a fresh, excited squad ready to play a physical and passionate Argentinian team.”

New Zealand starting XV: 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 David Havili, 11 George Bridge, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Luke Jacobson, 7 Dalton Papalii, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Brodie Retallick (c), 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Karl Tu’inukuafe

Reserves: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Tupou Vaa’i, 20 Ethan Blackadder, 21 Brad Weber, 22 Damian McKenzie, 23 Rieko Ioane