Barrett ruled out as Foster keeps faith in winning All Blacks team

Coach Ian Foster has made only one forced change to the All Blacks for their Rugby Championship test against Argentina in Christchurch on Saturday, with uncapped flyhalf Stephen Perofeta replacing the injured Beauden Barrett in the reserves.

Barrett was ruled out after suffering a neck injury at training, paving the way for Auckland Blues pivot Perofeta to make his test debut off the bench.

After losing the home series against Ireland and the Rugby Championship opener in Mbombela against South Africa, the All Blacks returned to form with an impressive 35-23 victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg in their last match.

Returning to Christchurch for the first time since 2016, the All Blacks face a resurgent Argentina, who thrashed an injury-depleted Australia 48-17 in San Juan after losing to the Wallabies in Mendoza.

"It’s great for us to be able to return to Christchurch,” Foster said in a statement.

"The All Blacks have such a rich history here and it’s exciting to build on that.

"The recent form of Argentina makes this a test one that we are looking forward to. And the fact that the ... Rugby Championship is incredibly even means this test is vital to us."

The All Blacks will start their first match with selector Joe Schmidt taking on more of a hands-on role as an attack coach and strategist on Foster's staff.

Team: 15-Jordie Barrett, 14-Will Jordan, 13-Rieko Ioane, 12-David Havili, 11-Caleb Clarke, 10-Richie Mo'unga, 9-Aaron Smith, 8-Ardie Savea, 7-Sam Cane (captain), 6-Shannon Frizell, 5-Scott Barrett, 4-Sam Whitelock, 3-Tyrel Lomax, 2-Samisoni Taukei'aho, 1-Ethan de Groot

Replacements: 16-Codie Taylor, 17-George Bower, 18-Fletcher Newell, 19-Tupou Vaa'i, 20-Akira Ioane, 21-Finlay Christie, 22-Stephen