Reigning world player of the year Ardie Savea will captain the All Blacks in Rugby Championship Tests against Argentina, taking over from Scott Barrett who is recovering from a finger injury.
The All Blacks confirmed on Monday that Barrett will not be available for the Tests at Wellington on Saturday and Auckland on August 17 after having surgery on a finger injured in the recent Test against Fiji in San Diego.
Jordie Barrett and Codie Taylor have been named vice-captains.
New Zealand also has called in Blues five eighth Harry Plummer as cover while Stephen Perofeta recovers from a "minor niggle".
Assistant coach Jason Ryan said Plummer "has been really consistent with the Blues this year and he's really grown as a player.
"The boys have got a lot of confidence in him so he's come in and he's been seamless."
