Telea recalled for New Zealand's World Cup semi-final against Argentina

Wed, Oct 18, 2023, 4:25 PM
AFP
by AFP
Mark Telea returns for the All Blacks after his suspension. Photo: Getty Images
Mark Telea returns for the All Blacks after his suspension. Photo: Getty Images

New Zealand coach Ian Foster made two changes and one positional switch to his starting XV to play Argentina in the Rugby World Cup semi-final on Friday, including recalling winger Mark Telea.

In-form Telea was dropped for the quarter-final against Ireland, which the All Blacks won 28-24, after breaking team protocol.

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He makes his return at the expense of Leicester Fainga'anuku, who drops out of the match-day 23 altogether.

“That’s the team we think best for this week. He has done his time," Foster told reporters.

"He made a mistake and accepted what happened but you don’t linger in that space. We have got a faith in him and think he is in good place to play this game.

"It’s a chance for us to get Mark on the park."

Sam Whitelock comes into the second row with fellow veteran Brodie Retallick moving to the bench.

There is one newcomer among the replacements, hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho preferred to Dane Coles.

“The past sets us up beautifully for both teams. We do know each other but we don’t know each other terms of a Rugby Word Cup," Foster added.

“We have learnt to greatly respect Argentina. They have a history of overachieving at the World Cup. It is going to be a hell of a game.”

New Zealand (15-1): Beauden Barrett; Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Mark Telea; Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith; Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (capt), Shannon Frizell; Scott Barrett, Samuel Whitelock; Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Brodie Retallick, Dalton Papali'i, Finlay Christie, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown

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