All Blacks make several changes for Pumas

6:12 PM BST

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  ESPN staff

The All Blacks have made seven changes to their starting side to face Argentina in the third round of Rugby Championship action in New Plymouth on Saturday.

Vaea Fafita will make his first start at blindside flanker in a new look back row alongside Ardie Savea and captain Kieran Read.

Luke Romano gets a rare run in the second row, with Sam Whitelock rested.

In the backline, Nehe Milner-Skudder returns on the left wing in place of Rieko Ioane while Israel Dagg is on the right flank as Ben Smith begins his sabbatical.

Anton Lienert-Brown returns to the midfield with Ryan Crotty dropping out of the matchday 23, while TJ Perenara gets an opportunity in the No. 9 jersey over Aaron Smith.

The All Blacks are yet to lose a Test match to the Pumas in 24 previous encounters.

All Blacks: McKenzie, Dagg, Lienert-Brown, Williams, Milner-Skudder, B Barrett, Perenara; Moody, Coles, Laulala, Romano, Retallick, Fifita, Savea, Read (capt).

Reserves: Taylor, Crockett, Tu'ungafasi, S Barrett, Cane, Kerr-Barlow, Sopoaga, Laumape.

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All Blacks make several changes for Pumas