The New Zealand rugby team has made two changes to their starting line-up for the World Cup semi-final against Argentina. Winger Mark Telea returns to the team after being left out for disciplinary reasons. He was excluded from the quarter-final lineup due to a breach of team protocol, reportedly missing a team curfew. Leicester Fainga’anuku, who replaced Telea in the last match and scored an early try, has been dropped from the matchday squad.
Additionally, veteran lock Sam Whitelock is back in the team, partnering with Scott Barrett in the second row. Brodie Retallick, with 107 caps, moves to the bench to accommodate Whitelock’s return. There is also a change among the replacements, with Samisoni Taukei’aho chosen over Dane Coles as the backup hooker. Coles is set to retire after the tournament in France.
If New Zealand defeats Argentina, it will secure their spot in a fifth World Cup final. However, in the past three years, the All Blacks have lost to Argentina twice.
The New Zealand starting line-up for the semi-final match is as follows: Beauden Barrett (15), Will Jordan (14), Rieko Ioane (13), Jordie Barrett (12), Mark Tele’a (11), Richie Mo’unga (10), Aaron Smith (9), Ardie Savea (8), Sam Cane (capt.) (7), Shannon Frizell (6), Scott Barrett (5), Sam Whitelock (4), Tyrel Lomax (3), Codie Taylor (2), Ethan de Groot (1).
The replacements for the match include: Samisoni Taukei’aho (16), Tamaiti Williams (17), Fletcher Newell (18), Brodie Retallick (19), Dalton Papalii (20), Finlay Christie (21), Damian McKenzie (22), and Anton Lienert-Brown (23).
Edited by Christian Radnedge
