Parker to debut while Taylor wins 100th cap for New Zealand on Saturday

Loose forward Simon Parker will make his debut for New Zealand after being named in the starting line-up to take on Argentina in their clash in the Rugby Championship on Saturday.

Parker will play as eighthman in the test in Buenos Aires, meaning Ardie Savea will move back to the side of the scrum in place of Du’Plessis Kirifi, it was announced on Thursday.

It is the only change to the starting line-up that beat Argentina 41-24 in Cordoba last week in their opening game of this year's competition.

Tamaiti Williams, who comes in for Ollie Norris, and Wallace Sititi, who replaces Samipeni Finau, return to the match-day squad after injury but were only named among the replacements.

Number eight Sititi and loosehead prop Williams have recovered from ankle and knee operations, respectively.

Other changes on the bench see Josh Lord in for Patrick Tuipulotu, who suffered a facial fracture last week in Cordoba, and Quinn Tupaea in for the injured Anton Lienert-Brown.

A special night in Buenos Aires awaits 🖤#CT100 pic.twitter.com/0mJykqd4B7

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 21, 2025

The second match for both teams in this year’s southern hemisphere championship marks a 100th cap for hooker Codie Taylor, who becomes the 14th All Black to reach the milestone.

Taylor, 34, made his test debut against Argentina in Christchurch in 2015.

“Codie is a great All Black. The way he carries himself and the example he sets are testament to him as a person and he will front this week in the same way he has for the past 99 tests,” said coach Scott Robertson in a statement naming the team.

“Equally, it’s a special day for Simon and his family. He’s earned his selection through performance and consistency. He’s a big, physical man, and he’s ready to make an impact.

“All of the players who have come into the squad have worked really hard and earned their place at training, and it’s great to have Tamaiti and Wallace back in the mix. Our bench will bring energy and impact to the battle,” the coach added.

Team: 15-Will Jordan, 14-Sevu Reece, 13-Billy Proctor, 12-Jordie Barrett, 11-Rieko Ioane, 10-Beauden Barrett, 9-Cortez Ratima, 8-Simon Parker, 7-Ardie Savea, 6-Tupou Vaa'i, 5-Fabian Holland, 4-Scott Barrett (captain), 3-Fletcher Newell, 2-Codie Taylor, 1-Ethan de Groot

Replacements: 16-Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17-Tamaiti Williams, 18-Pasilio Tosi, 19-Josh Lord, 20-Wallace Sititi, 21-Finlay Christie, 22-Quinn Tupaea, 23-Damian McKenzie.