Sam Cane will captain the All Blacks in their Rugby Championship opener against Argentina in Buenos Aires next weekend.

Nine months after fracturing his neck against the Springboks, Cane will lead a 30-man All Blacks squad to Argentina after making a successful comeback for the Chiefs.

Regular captain Kieran Read and vice-captain Sam Whitelock are among the Crusaders players who have been left in New Zealand to prepare for the Test against the Boks the following weekend in Wellington.

Three Crusaders will make the trip in the form of new caps Sevu Reece and Braydon Ennor as well as George Bridge.

Sonny Bill Williams has also been included in the squad after a injury scare earlier in the week.

All Blacks squad vs Argentina:

Forwards: Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, Liam Coltman, Nepo Laulala, Atu Moli, Angus Ta’avao, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Jackson Hemopo, Sam Cane (c), Vaea Fifita, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papalii, Ardie Savea.

Backs: TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Brad Weber, Beauden Barrett, Josh Ioane, Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Braydon Ennor, Jordie Barrett, George Bridge, Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece, Ben Smith (v-c).