Argentina v New Zealand, Rugby Championship
Hore returns to rake for All Blacks
ESPN Staff
September 26, 2013
The Highlanders' Andrew Hore spends time in the sin-bin against the Reds, Highlanders v Queensland Reds, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, March 29, 2013
Andrew Hore returns with Steve Hansen mindful of developing his young players gradually © Getty Images
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Andrew Hore returns to the All Blacks starting side in one of two changes made by coach Steve Hansen for Sunday's (AEST) Rugby Championship match against Argentina in La Plata.

Aaron Cruden will start at fly-half with Dan Carter out of action with a shoulder injury. Hore, who was rested for New Zealand's 29-15 defeat of South Africa on September 14, takes the place of Dane Coles.

"We are very happy with where Dane is at and with his performances of late," coach Steve Hansen told the New Zealand Herald. "But like a lot of the young players, we are also mindful of managing their game time as part of their development, so we have brought in Andrew to start this week."

The side to face Los Pumas has 809 combined Tests under their belt, with 11 of the team backing up from their 54-15 victory in Argentina last year. The only differences to that side are Ben Smith, Cruden, Sam Cane and Brodie Retallick, who take the places vacated by Cory Jane, Carter, Richie McCaw and Luke Romano.

"This game has huge significance with regard to us having any chance of winning the Investec Rugby Championship," Hansen said. "Playing Argentina at home is never an easy assignment so we have worked hard on, firstly, our recovery on arrival and, secondly, our preparation throughout the week. We know that we will have to be physically on top of our game and strategically smart.

"As always, we are expecting a huge challenge from the Argentina and a very vocal crowd but everyone is looking forward to embracing this challenge. The city of La Plata has had its difficulties since we were here last, with the flooding, so it is an opportunity for both teams to bring something positive to the region."

There is just the one change on the bench, with Jeremy Thrush coming in as lock cover, while Kieran Read will again captain the team in the absence of the injured Richie McCaw. The All Blacks have played Argentina 17 times since 1985, winning 16 times and drawing once.

New Zealand: Israel Dagg; Ben Smith, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea; Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read (Capt), Sam Cane, Liam Messam; Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick; Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Jeremy Thrush, Steven Luatua, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Charles Piutau.


Follow live text commentary of the Test between Argentina and New Zealand on Saturday, September 28 from 1030pm (GMT) , 830am (AEST, September 29), 1030am (NZT, September 29)

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