Rugby World Cup: New Zealand make two changes for semi-final vs Argentina

New Zealand have recalled wing Mark Telea and lock Sam Whitelock for Friday’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Paris; three-time winners New Zealand are strong favorites to progress and would face England or reigning champions South Africa in the final

Mark Telea starts on the left flank in place of Leicester Fainga’anuku, who will be out on matchday 23 for the All Blacks’ World Cup semi-final against Argentina

New Zealand have made two changes for their World Cup semi-final against Argentina on Friday, with Mark Telea and Sam Whitelock in the starting lineup.

Telea was left out of the All Blacks’ 28-24 quarter-final win over Ireland after breaching team protocols.

The 26-year-old will start on the left flank in place of Leicester Fainga’anuku, who dropped out on matchday 23 despite scoring the first of the Kiwis’ three tries against the Irish.

Veteran second-row Whitelock swaps roles with Brodie Retallick in the other change to Ian Foster’s starting XV to win his 152nd cap. Retallick is sitting on the couch.

Samisoni Taukei’aho takes the place of fellow hooker Dane Coles among the replacements.

“The Rugby World Cup play-offs are a series of finals,” said head coach Foster. “We know that the intensity only increases as you progress through the knockout stages and we are preparing accordingly.

“We have received great support from our country and our fans. The atmosphere during our matches was great and we would like to thank everyone who was part of it.

“The team is determined to give everything on this special occasion against Argentina, a quality team with a proven track record in Rugby World Cup play-off matches. We have great respect for that.”

Another sell-out crowd of 80,000 fans is expected in Paris for what will be the third World Cup match between the two sides, and their second in the knockout stages.

The teams met earlier this year in Mendoza, where the All Blacks opened the Test season with a 41-12 win.

New Zealand: BBarrett; W Jordan, R Ioane, J Barrett, M ​​Telea; R Mo’unga, A Smit; E De Groot, C Taylor, T Lomax, S Whitelock, S Barrett, S Frizell, S Cane (c), A Savea.

Replacements: S Taukei’aho, T Williams, F Newell, B Retallick, D Papalii, F Christie, D McKenzie, A Lienert-Brown.

Rugby World Cup – remaining matches

Friday October 20

SEMI-FINAL – Argentina vs. New Zealand (8 p.m., Paris)

Saturday October 21

SEMI-FINAL – England vs South Africa (8pm, Paris)

Friday October 27

3rd Place Play-off – Semi-Final 1 Second vs. Semi-Final 2 Second (8 p.m., Paris)

Saturday October 28

FINAL – Semi-final 1 winner vs. Semi-final 2 winner (8 p.m., Paris)