All Blacks stuck in 'trial' mode

Jerry Collins looks on during today's cpatain's run. Ross Land / Getty Images

BUENOS AIRES - The word "trial" is a touchy subject following the Irish series, but stand-in All Blacks captain Jerry Collins grudgingly admitted tomorrow's one-off rugby test against Argentina amounts to a talent quest for Tri-Nations contenders.

Pillored for intimating the two Irish tests were effectively a trial for the Tri-Nations, head coach Graham Henry has consciously distanced himself from the phrase this week.

The squad of 30 for the Tri-Nations is announced in Auckland on Tuesday.

However, Collins' said the clash at Velez Sarsfield was essentially just that as the entourage jockey for places in the initial 30-man squad for tests against Australia and South Africa.

"We understand this is our only chance to make the Tri-Nations squad," the new skipper said as the All Blacks rounded out their preparations with a captain's run today.

"The boys who played Ireland have had their go and now it's our chance," the softly-spoken blindside bruiser said of his first test in charge.

The Wellingtonian has been at pains to temper expectations of a 12th victory over the combative Pumas given their proud home record and the All Blacks unusually fractured build-up.

Though the test 15 has been in place since mid April -- barring the addition of debutant Scott Hamilton and seasoned lock Ali Williams -- the seven-man reserve bench that saw action in two tests against the Irish has taken time getting up to speed after an arduous 13-hour flight to South America last Sunday.

Collins said fielding another new combination for the test was a calculated risk as the All Blacks brains trust plots for next year's World Cup and pleaded for patience from the rugby public.

"We're yet to trot on top the field as a team so I suppose we will lack cohesion," Collins conceded.

"But we'll strive to make up for that with enthusiasm."

He believed the Pumas had an had advantage by fielding a largely unchanged combination in two test victories against Wales and was under no illusions concerning the task facing the All Blacks in front of what is expected to be a feverish 50,000-strong crowd potentially buoyed by Argentina's progress at the soccer World Cup.

Roll teams

"They roll teams over here and we understand they've got some good players -- most of them play in France," Collins said.

Only one of the starting 15 plays in Argentina -- lock Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe plies his trade with Liceo Naval -- and he has signed a contract in Europe next season.

Collins and pivot Dan Carter, who makes his first test appearance of the season, emphasised the need for a solid start to hush the masses.

"Our start has to give us confidence, early points will keep them quiet," Collins said.

Carter agreed. "The more we keep them in the game with mistakes the more the crowd will get in behind in them. Our start will have to be huge."

The ultra-talented Cantabrian has the added responsibility of guiding a new midfield combination of Sam Tuitupou and Isaia Toeava through a potential minefield and after gauging the duo's progress at training Carter was confident the pair was on the right track.

"They're pretty exciting players," Carter said. "I'm just looking forward to them bashing the ball up and showing their skills. There's a lot of potential there -- I just have to give them the time and space."

Collins may be primarily devoted to the engine room but he and backs coach Wayne Smith have also waxed lyrical about the Auckland pairing that have principally combined for their local church's rig tag touch rugby team.

"The midfield isn't a concern," he said.

"The selection might have raised eyebrows at home but they're both gifted players and they're there for a reason.

"The runs have been good this week and Daniel and Piri (halfback Weepu) will look after them."

"They've gelled well at training," Smith added with the rider: "though as always the acid test is on the field.

"They're going to have a pretty fast and physical 'defence' against them. They'll be under a lot of pressure but I'm excited by what I've seen.

"Neither of them are gregarious so they have to talk when they don't feel like talking. They both read the game well and if they articulate that I think they'll be effective," Smith said.

- NZPA