All Blacks Rookie Backrower Earns Debut in Rugby Championship

In the lead-up to their second Rugby Championship test against Argentina on Saturday, the All Blacks have made several key changes to their lineup. The most notable is the inclusion of rookie backrower Simon Parker, who will be making his test debut for the New Zealand national team.

Parker's selection is the only change to the starting 15, as he comes in at the No. 8 position, while Ardie Savea returns to his usual spot on the openside flank. There are also four changes on the bench, with prop Tamaiti Williams and backrower Wallace Sititi making their returns from injury.

The All Blacks' coaching staff, led by Scott Robertson, have high hopes for Parker, who has impressed in Super Rugby this season with his combination of size, pace, and skill. The selectors see the 1.97-meter, 119-kilogram backrower as a potential answer to the physical challenge posed by the world champion Springboks, New Zealand's opponents in the next stage of the Rugby Championship.

Alongside Parker's debut, the match will also mark a significant milestone for veteran hooker Codie Taylor, who will be earning his 100th test cap for the All Blacks, becoming the 14th player in the team's history to reach that prestigious mark. Robertson praised Taylor's leadership and the example he sets for the rest of the squad, stating that the team will be looking to put in a performance that makes the centurion and his family proud.

With the changes made and the milestone to be celebrated, the All Blacks will be aiming to build on their 41-24 victory over Argentina in the first test and set themselves up for a crucial clash with the Springboks in the coming weeks.