Tele’a returns with the All Blacks to face Argentina in the semi-finals

New Zealand winger Mark Tealea, who was knocked out in the quarter-final against Ireland, has returned to the All Blacks’ starting line-up for the World Cup semi-final against Argentina on Friday (9:00pm) at the Stade de France, according to the UK’s Daily Mail. The team’s composition was revealed on Wednesday. New Zealand national team coach Ian Foster made another change to the team that will compete with the Pumas in Saint-Denis, as Sam Whitlock replaced Brody Retallick, who was linked to Scott Barrett in the second row. As for the rest Foster had confidence in the winners of the quarter against Ireland (28-24).

Tilia, author of three tries in two matches during the French World Cup, was dropped from the squad during the last match for not respecting the curfew imposed by his staff during the week. He was replaced by Leicester Fainga’anuku, played four matches including three as a starter and scored five tries, including one in the quarter against Ireland.

Fainga’anuku, who will be playing for Toulon at the end of the World Cup, is among the 23 players, as is hooker Dan Coles, who came on against Ireland but was replaced on the bench by Samsoni Taukeahu in the semi-final. Samuel Whitlock, the 2011 and 2015 world champion, who will celebrate his 152nd cap at the Stade de France, could still become the only player to claim three world titles if the All Blacks beat Argentina on Friday and win the next final on October 28. Still at the Stade de France.

New Zealand composition:

B. Barrett – Jordan, Ioane, J. Barrett, Tele’a, – (o) Mo’unga, (m) Smith – Cane (cap.), Savea, Frizell – S. Barrett, Whitelock – Lomax, Taylor, De Groot
Subs: Taukei’aho, Williams, Newell, Retallick, Papali’i, Christie, McKenzie, Lienert-Brown