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ESPN staff 3y

Tri-Nations: All Blacks ring forward changes for Pumas rematch

Rugby

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has shuffled his forward pack for Saturday's Tri-Nations rematch with Argentina, after the Pumas pulled off one of the year's great upsets just a fortnight ago in Newcastle.

Saturday night's clash in Newcastle will be New Zealand's last for 2020, bringing down the curtain on Foster's first year in charge when he has built an unflattering record of 2-2-1.

And the All Blacks coach is clearly looking for more from his forward pack after they were man-handled by the Pumas at Bankwest Stadium, Foster making three positional changes up front.

There is a recall for prop Nepo Laulala while Patrick Tupiulotu and Shannon Frizell have paid the price for some poor performances, with Scott Barrett and Akira Ioane added in the second and back-rows respectively.

"We've had a great week building into what will be a vital Test for us," Foster said. "It's exciting in the sense that we have the opportunity to redeem ourselves after our last game, and we also have the opportunity to win the Tri-Nations.

"There's a real determination in the team to perform well, not only for ourselves, but also our families and friends at home and our country."

Prop Joe Moody will make his 50th Test start and Foster paid tribute to the front-rower in revealing his side on Thursday.

"He's a key part of our group; he's rock solid and goes about his work in a really good way. He's a popular member of the team and it's a great achievement for him."

The Pumas will be playing their third Test on the trot after they followed up their 10-point triumph over the All Blacks, the South American's first ever over the three-time world champions, with a 15-all draw against the Wallabies.

Mario Ledesma has made several changes to his side for their third Test on the bounce. There's been sweeping changes in the Pumas backline with Nico Sanchez the only starter from their first two Tests retaining his place. The experienced Emiliano Boffelli has slotted into fullback, while Jeronimo De La Fuente and Santiago Cordero take up the centre pairing. 

The Pumas hammering forward pack haven't been left alone either with a new No.8 in Facundo Isa taking over for Rodrigo Bruni, a new lock pairing in Lucas Paulos and Guido Pettu, while their powerful frontrow has seen two changes in Santiago Medrano and Mayco Vivas moving in two the prop positions.

While there might be some weariness in the Argentine camp, Foster said his side would be expecting nothing less than another tough contest.

"Argentina have shown two weeks in a row that they can compete at the highest level. They've grown as a nation, they've got good size and a lot of skill, so we're certainly going in with our eyes wide open."

All Blacks: Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jack Goodhue, Caleb Clarke, Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Akira Ioane, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles, Joe Moody. Replacements: Codie Taylor, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Tyrel Lomax, Patrick Tuipulotu, Hoskins Sotutu, TJ Perenara, Rieko Ioane, Will Jordan.

Argentina: Emiliano Boffelli, Ramiro Moyano, Juan Cruz Mallia, Jeronimo De La Fuente, Santiago Cordero, Nicolas Sanchez, Felipe Ezcurra, Facundo Isa, Marcos Kremmer, Pablos Matera, Lucas Paulos, Guido Pettu, Santiago Medrano, Julian Montoya, Mayco Vivas. Replacements: Santiago Socino, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Lucio Sordoni, Matias Alemanno, Santiago Grondona, Gonzalo Bertranou, Santiago Carreras, Lucas Mensa.

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