New Zealand v Argentina preview

As expected, Beauden Barrett will start at fly-half for New Zealand on Saturday as they take on Argentina in the third round of the Rugby Championship.
The Hurricanes star comes in for the injured Aaron Cruden who failed to recover from a chest injury sustained against the Wallabies at Eden Park two weeks ago.
Barrett is one of three changes to the starting XV made by Steve Hansen as Ma’a Nonu returns to the midfield and Israel Dagg regains the full-back jersey from Ben Smith who shifts to the right wing.
“Aaron could have played but the selectors weren’t prepared to take the risk of him re-injuring himself and being out for a long period,” said Hansen.
“We made a decision on Monday. Talking to the medical staff there was a risk if we played him that if he got caught in a compromised position in the tackle that he might do it again. He’s trained with us all week and has been fine, but we just thought it wasn’t worth taking the risk with him.”
Meanwhile, the Pumas have made two changes from the team that just missed out on their first ever victory in the tournament two weeks ago against South Africa.
Bath winger Horacio Agulla gets the nod on the right wing ahead of Manuel Montero while Worcester No.8 Leonardo Senatore starts in place of Leicester‘s Pablo Matera.
New Zealand: Israel Dagg; Ben Smith, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Julian Savea; Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith; Wyatt Crockett, Dane Coles, Owen Franks; Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock; Liam Messam, Richie McCaw (Capt.), Kieran Read.
Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Ben Franks, Joe Moody, Jeremy Thrush, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, Colin Slade, Malakai Fekitoa.
Argentina: Joaquin Tuculet; Horacio Agulla, Marcelo Bosch, Juan Martin Hernandez, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino; Nicolas Sanchez, Martin Landajo; Marcos Ayerza, Agustin Creevy (Capt.), Ramiro Herrera; Mariano Galarza, Tomas Lavanini; Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Leonardo Senatore.
Replacements: Matas Cortese, Lucas Noguera Paz, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Matas Alemanno, Rodrigo Baez, Tomas Cubelli, Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, Juan Imhoff.