All Blacks captain Kieran Read to miss Argentina test

The All Blacks captain Kieran Read will skip the side's trip to Argentina.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said leaving Read at home for the Argentina test was always part of their plan as he only returned to super rugby with the Crusaders in June following surgery on his spine in December.

Read, who also missed the three Tests against France in June, will return against the Springboks in Pretoria on October 6th.

New Zealand need to win either the test against the Pumas or South Africa to secure the series.

Lock Sam Whitelock is the likely skipper against the Pumas while versatile forward Vaea Fifita has joined the squad for the Argentina leg.

Liam Squire, Brodie Retallick, Joe Moody and Dane Coles are possibilities to play in the All Blacks' Test against Australia in Yokohama on October 27th.

Midfielder Sonny Bill Williams, who hasn't played for three months, was on the flight and will be considered next week.

It means there is no room for inside centre Ngani Laumape, who was called into the squad as injury cover for Williams.

[Source: Radio NZ]

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