It was a solid display last night but the option taking - across the whole team - wasn't up to scratch. The All Blacks started with great endeavour but bad decisions in possession hampered them throughout the match. I don't think Steve Hansen and his coaching team will be happy with that aspect; there was a lot of room to exploit, especially in behind the Pumas but no one seemed to have the vision to exploit it. Instead we were forced into mistakes.
Argentina were impressive, especially given the recent travel schedule they have faced.
If Richie McCaw is out next week I don't think Sam Cane is the answer. It might sound harsh - and I know we compare all opensides to Richie McCaw which is a tough mark - but there is not one part of Cane's game that he manages to stamp his authority on a match. Liam Messam or Tanerau Latimer offer more vigour and would be better options in the seven jersey. On occasions this season even Dave Rennie has preferred Latimer over Cane.
Both Andrew Hore and Dane Coles struggled to assert themselves while the props were obviously still adapting to the new scrum laws. The locks and loose forwards were very good in trying conditions.
