Sideline mentoring role for captain McCaw

Richie McCaw will lead from the sidelines. Picture / Greg Bowker

BUENOS AIRES - Richie McCaw will be a confined to an off-field leadership role for the remainder of the All Blacks' whistle-stop rugby tour of Argentina after he was confirmed today as one of four absentees from the test side to play the Pumas here on Saturday.

Tighthead prop Carl Hayman, halfback Byron Kelleher and hooker Keven Mealamu were also surplus to requirements as head coach Graham Henry added his seven-man reserves bench to the starting side named mid-April for the clash at Velez Sarsfield Stadium (11.30SunNZT).

Frontrower Greg Somerville and Crusaders teammate Scott Hamilton will both chalk up major milestones with the wing making his test debut while for prop Somerville, New Zealand's 13th test against the Pumas provide him with a start in his 50th international.

Henry indicated McCaw was never a prospect of playing against a Pumas side buoyant after securing a historic 2-0 series win over Wales.

The All Black captain's presence was to complement the leadership skills of stand-in skipper Jerry Collins.

"We debated whether Richie should stay at home and recondition but we thought his leadership was important.

"It also gives him the chance to get to know the guys that have not been in the side a lot."

With McCaw sidelined, Henry predictably opted to use the versatile Craig Newby on the bench to cover all three loose forward positions while Troy Flavell also backs up from his substitute role against the Irish by being able to slot in at lock or blindside.

Ma'a Nonu and Luke McAlister provide cover for a backline that features the untried midfield combination of Sam Tuitupou and Isaia Toeava - plus new wing Hamilton.

While the midfield pairing yields just a combined seven caps, much interest will also focus on the return from injury of 2005 test fixtures Ali Williams and Tony Woodcock.

Lock Williams and loosehead prop Woodcock were casualties during the latter stages of the Blues unspectacular Super 14 campaign and are set the unenviable task of making their comebacks against what Henry genuinely described as world rugby's premier scrummaging force.

"It's questionable whether they'll last the full 80 minutes but they've got to start somewhere and this is a good test," Henry said, before lavishing praise on a side that have not beaten the All Blacks in a dozen previous meetings.

"There's no doubt they're a good side, they gave the Welsh a bit of a hiding in the second test (47-25 here last Saturday).

"They have huge respect for the All Blacks so they'll play exceptionally well."

The All Blacks' biggest winning margin on Argentine soil was recorded in 1991 when the World Cup-bound side won the second of two tests 36-6 in Buenos Aires.

However, the other four tests played here since 1985 have been tight affairs with the All Blacks prevailing by 13, 14 and four points (24-20 on their last visit here in 2001).

The Pumas came closest to securing a landmark victory in 1985 when Hugo Porta kicked four penalties and three dropped goals to force a 21-all draw.

The All Blacks upped the intensity at another two-hour training session at Centro Naval today with Hamilton, the only slight injury concern, running freely throughout.

He was troubled by an ankle injury after landing heavily when fielding a high ball yesterday but appeared unaffected as the backs went through their paces.

The All Blacks have another training session tomorrow and then have Thursday off ahead of Friday's captain's run.

The Pumas squad is expected to be trimmed from 26 to 22 tomorrow with the team to be named on Thursday.

New Zealand: Leon Macdonald, Rico Gear, Isaia Toeava, Sam Tuitupou, Scott Hamilton, Daniel Carter, Piri Weepu, Mose Tuiali'i, Chris Masoe, Jerry Collins (c), Ali Williams, Jason Eaton, Greg Somerville, Anton Oliver, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata, Troy Flavell, Craig Newby, Jimmy Cowan, Luke McAlister, Ma'a Nonu.

- NZPA