Pumas coach Mario Ledesma: How we can beat the All Blacks

Mario Ledesma says a key aspect of their play for tonight's game is ball retention. Photo / Getty Images

Mario Ledesma doesn't see the clash between Argentina and the All Blacks tonight as an 80-minute encounter.

Instead, the Pumas' head coach has emphasised the importance of breaking the match into two parts when they take to the pitch in Nelson.

"We're concentrating on staying on for the first 60 [minutes]," Ledesma said.

The All Blacks have made themselves known as a side who can run up the score in the final stages of a match as their opponents run out of steam.

"That's obviously a big thing for them. You think you're in the game until about the 50th [minute] to 55th and then you're gone; they rip you apart. We have a strong bench, but we have to stay in the game until the 60th an then see if we can stay the 80."

Argentina come into the match looking for their first win over the All Blacks. In 26 previous encounters, the All Blacks have won 25 times, while in their second fixture the teams played out a 21-21 draw - in 1985.

However, the Pumas come into the match with the confidence from beating South Africa last time out for just the third time. In their two matches of the Rugby Championship, the Pumas have looked strong on both sides of the ball - maintaining an even points differential.

A key aspect of their play has been ball retention, which Ledesma said is critical if his side are to get a result tonight.

"If you give the ball to the All Blacks you know what's going to happen. But it's not only keeping the ball, but if you kick the ball, contest the ball, put pressure on them knowing what you're doing and why you're doing that, obviously a big one on Saturday will be turnovers.

"We want to keep the ball against them."