Vaea Fifita returns to All Blacks team for Argentina Test

Image: Vaea Fifita (left) scored a try in New Zealand's win over Argentina on September 9

Vaea Fifita has been recalled to the New Zealand team for Saturday's Rugby Championship fixture against Argentina in Buenos Aires, live on Sky Sports Action from 11.30pm.

New Zealand were trailing Argentina after 54 minutes at New Plymouth earlier this month until Fifita scored a brilliant solo try which spurred a 39-22 win.

Fifita will play in a new-look back row, anchored by skipper Kieran Read, in which openside Matt Todd will play his first Test of the season but there is no recall for Jerome Kaino, who has not played for New Zealand since the drawn third Test against the British and Irish Lions in July.

Head coach Steve Hansen has rested locks Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick, with Scott Barrett and Luke Romano coming into the second row.

Highlanders wing Waisake Naholo will play only his second Test of the season while David Havili will win his first cap if introduced from the bench.

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Havili's inclusion could see Damian McKenzie move from full-back to fly-half later in the game, giving Hansen a chance to see how the 22-year-old handles the pivotal position at international level.

Highlights of New Zealand's 39-22 victory over Argentina in New Plymouth last month

The All Blacks, who are on 19 points after four successive victories, can wrap up the Rugby Championship title with a win in Buenos Aires.

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"We've selected what we believe is a quality team and have high expectations that they'll go out and put in a strong performance this weekend," said Hansen.

"The team has had a great week here in Buenos Aires. As always, our training throughout the week has been of paramount importance. While this is a team requirement, it is also an individual necessity.

Image: David Havili, pictured in action for the Crusaders, could win his first cap

"Our training and preparation has to be bone deep, and when this is achieved, we always give ourselves the opportunity to play well on Saturday.

"In saying that, we are under no illusion about what we'll be facing this weekend. After having a torrid tussle against us in New Plymouth, Argentina will be even more determined on their home pitch and in front of their passionate fans.

"Our job will be to start well and to put in a performance for the full 80 minutes."

The Pumas have never beaten the All Blacks in 25 Test matches.

New Zealand: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith; 1 Kane Hames, 2 Dane Coles, 3 Nepo Laulala, 4 Luke Romano, 5 Scott Barrett, 6 Vaea Fifita, 7 Matt Todd, 8 Kieran Read (c).

Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Ngani Laumape, 23 David Havili.

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