Baby first for Sopoaga

Lima Sopoaga celebrates after scoring for the All Blacks against South Africa in Auckland last...
Lima Sopoaga celebrates after scoring for the All Blacks against South Africa in Auckland last weekend. Photo Getty
Lima Sopoaga has opted to forgo his first test start in more than two years to be present at the birth of his first child.

Highlanders first five Sopoaga had been set to start for the All Blacks against Argentina next weekend but has been released from the squad to be with his expectant partner Miriam.

It means a recall for Beauden Barrett, who was initially rested for the trip to Argentina.

Sopoaga was set to start his first test in 799 days, after impressing on his starting debut in a 27-20 win over the Springboks in 2015, Radio Sport reports.

With Sopoaga now unavailable, Barrett will likely be backed up by Damian McKenzie.

The squad to travel to Argentina is:

Forwards: Wyatt Crockett, Kane Hames, Nepo Laulala, Jeffery Toomaga Allen, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Nathan Harris, Scott Barrett, Luke Romano, Patrick Tuipulotu, Vaea Fifita, Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read (captain), Ardie Savea and Matt Todd.

Backs: Tawera Kerr-Barlow, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ngani Laumape, Sonny Bill Williams, Rieko Ioane, David Havili, Damian McKenzie, Nehe Milner-Skudder and Waisake Naholo.

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