All Blacks team named to face Argentina - 2025 Rugby Championship Round 1

Barrett will start alongside Fabian Holland in the second row, one of nine changes from the side that ended the July Series against France in Hamilton. The clash will also mark the 40th meeting between the two nations, with New Zealand having won 35 of the previous encounters and drawn once, in the inaugural series of 1985. Argentina have never beaten the All Blacks on home soil or won a series against them, a record Scott Robertson’s side will be determined to protect.

Tupou Vaa’i returns to the No. 6 jersey after missing the France Test, joining Du’Plessis Kirifi on the openside in just his second Test start, and vice-captain Ardie Savea at No. 8. For Savea, this will be his 98th Test and 100th match in the black jersey, adding an extra milestone to the occasion.

In the halves, Cortez Ratima partners Beauden Barrett, who knows the Pumas better than anyone in the current squad, this will be his 21st Test against them. The midfield sees Billy Proctor in the No. 13 jersey alongside Jordie Barrett, with Rieko Ioane and Sevu Reece on the wings and Will Jordan, who boasts an incredible seven tries in seven Tests against Argentina in at full-back.

Robertson has stacked his bench with experience, with Damian McKenzie set for his 20th consecutive Test appearance, which is the longest active streak in the squad. He's alongside Anton Lienert-Brown and Finlay Christie in the backline cover roles. In the forwards, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris, and Pasilio Tosi provide front-row power, while Patrick Tuipulotu and Samipeni Finau offer lineout presence and impact.

Head coach Scott Robertson said his squad is ready to embrace the challenge in front of a passionate home crowd.

“We’ve had a great week of training in Buenos Aires and the group is ready to go out and perform. Scott and our leaders have led from the front and there’s a lot of focus and motivation in the group for the start of the campaign.

“We know the Pumas’ identity is a fast and physical game, and we’ve selected a team that will embrace the occasion. It’s been 30 years since the All Blacks played in Córdoba, and we are looking forward to the passion and energy of the home crowd.”

(Caps in brackets; * denotes debutant)

Replacements
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (33)
17. Ollie Norris (2)
18. Pasilio Tosi (9)
19. Patrick Tuipulotu (53)
20. Samipeni Finau (11)
21. Finlay Christie (23)
22. Anton Lienert-Brown (85)
23. Damian McKenzie (64)

Unavailable: Tamaiti Williams (knee), Wallace Sititi (ankle)