All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has made five alterations to his starting line-up that beat Australia for their clash with Argentina in Wellington.
There are returns to the New Zealand jersey for Julian Savea, Conrad Smith, Victor Vito, Brodie Retallick and Tony Woodcock this weekend.
Savea replaces Hosea Gear on the left wing while Smith is in for Sonny Bill Williams, Vito for Liam Messam on the flank, Retallick for Sam Whitelock and finally Woodcock comes in for Wyatt Crockett.
"We were happy with our intensity and attitude in the last Test against Australia, but not so happy with our execution when we didn't get the decision-making process right on occasions, so we are looking for improvement in that area this weekend," Hansen told ONE Sport before looking ahead to Saturday's showdown with the Pumas.
"It is going to be very physical, especially up front where they are traditionally very strong," he added.
"We also have immense respect for their backline abilities plus they have one of the best defensive structures in modern rugby.
"They are always looking to work as a unit to shut you down."
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Victor Vito, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Liam Messam, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Ben Smith.
Date: Saturday, September 8
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Comments
bendon says...
I feel bad for Cruden, he could walk into almost any other Starting XV in the world but is left to warm the bench by Carter. Definitely the future though!
Posted 19:45 05th September 2012
UBA05 says...
Good to see that Argentina's last outing made a few sit up and take notice. Strong line-up.
On a side note, is Tamati Ellison ever going to get a run? This millenium maybe???
Posted 19:28 05th September 2012
APV1 says...
Good luck - they'll need it. Not a single player of note amongst them. Argentina are going to romp away with at least a 50 pointer.
I want to use the word, "mediocre", but it doesn't quite capture how woeful this team is.
Desperate..? No that's not it.
God-awful..? Still not right.
Diabolical. That's it. Diabolical.
Posted 18:22 05th September 2012