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Ioane benched as Robertson tweaks All Blacks for Pumas opener

Anton Lienert-Brown has been preferred at outside centre ahead of Rieko Ioane for New Zealand's Rugby Championship clash with Argentina in Wellington.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has demoted the Blues star after a run of quiet performances, while Saturday night's clash will also mark the return of Will Jordan.

The Crusaders fullback missed the entire Super Rugby Pacific season with a shoulder injury, but will come off the bench as back three cover for the Pumas showdown.

Elsewhere, Ethan Blackadder has won the No. 6 jersey while Sam Darry will play just his second Test after he was selected at lock in place of injured skipper Scott Barrett.

Ardie Savea will captain the side in Barrett's absence while TJ Perenara also makes his return from injury at scrum-half.

"It's a special night for Ardie leading the team in his hometown and it's great to have TJ and Will back in the mix," Robertson said.

"Once again there were some close selection calls but we've picked a squad to win the key contests and perform on Saturday.

"We know Argentina will bring a lot of physicality and passion to the Test and we're ready for that challenge."

The All Blacks registered a clean sweep of their July Tests, defeating England in two keenly-fought Test matches before they then cruised past Fiji in San Diego.

NEW ZEALAND: Beauden Barrett, Sevu Reece, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Mark Tele'a, Damian McKenzie, TJ Perenara; Ardie Savea (capt), Dalton Papali'i, Ethan Blackadder, Sam Darry, Tupou Vaa'i, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan De Groot. Replacements: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Rieko Ioane, Will Jordan.