Tele'a recalled for New Zealand's World Cup semifinal against Argentina

New Zealand coach Ian Foster made two changes and one positional switch to his starting XV to play Argentina in the Rugby World Cup semifinal on Friday, including recalling winger Mark Tele'a.

In-form Tele'a was dropped for the quarterfinal against Ireland, which the All Blacks won 28-24, after breaking team protocol.

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

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.

Semifinal team 🫡#AllBlacks #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/DEZDpXL98Y

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 18, 2023

"Rugby World Cup playoffs are a series of finals," said Foster.

"We know that the intensity only increases as you progress through the knockout stages and we are preparing accordingly.

"We have received amazing support from our country and fans. The atmosphere at our games has been tremendous and we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been a part of that."

Foster added: "The team is determined to give it everything in this special occasion against Argentina who are a quality team with a proven record in Rugby World Cup play-off games. We are very respectful of that."

New Zealand (15-1)

Beauden Barrett; Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Mark Tele'a; 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

Coach: Ian Foster (NZL)