Uncapped winger Sevu Reece will start on the right wing for an experimental All Blacks side in their Rugby Championship opener against Argentina in Buenos Aires Saturday night (8.05pm).
Reece is the only uncapped player in the first XV but four others, prop Atu Moli, loose forward Luke Jacobson, flyhalf Josh Ioane and outside back Braydon Ennor, should debut from the bench.
The 22-year-old Fiji-born Reece forced his way into the All Blacks after strong Super Rugby form for the Crusaders, who resurrected his professional career after he had a contract in Ireland torn up last year.
He had been fined and discharged without conviction for an assault on his girlfriend last year.
His selection for the All Blacks was condemned by anti-violence campaigners but coach Steve Hansen defended the winger’s inclusion, arguing he deserved a second chance.
🎥 The first All Blacks team of 2019 has been named. With five new caps named in the matchday 23, coach Steve Hansen gives an analysis on some of the selections.
FULL TEAM ➡️ https://t.co/xITDmKglA3 pic.twitter.com/HqC6Ep7UfU
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 18, 2019
Hansen left several of Reece’s Crusaders teammates back in New Zealand to prepare for their clash against the Springboks in Wellington on July 27.
His team for the Pumas game showed a desire to experiment ahead of the World Cup.
Jordie Barrett will play on the left wing, with Ofa Tu'ungafasi, who started his career as a loosehead prop before the All Blacks turned him into a tighthead, back in the No.1 jersey.
Of his team, Hansen says: “It’s going to be exciting to watch the new All Blacks perform."