The star of Argentina's valiant Rugby Championship efforts against the Springboks wasn't a player, but a thing.

Pumas captain Aqustin Creevy says they are happy with their preparation heading into the test against the All Blacks, a more experienced mature & experienced side who has confidence not just in their forward pack but also in their backline.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw knows it will be not just a battle up front for his team but the Pumas have the ability to score some good tries out the back after an impressive performance against the Sprinboks.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is expecting a tight test against Argentina in Napier tomorrow, saying his side will have to show patience against an improving team.

Pride in the Pumas revolves around their fearless forward work and concerted aggression.

Usually, on a Thursday, when the All Blacks are asked specifics about the opposition they are vague and noncommittal.

Beauden Barrett will make his first test start in the number 10 jersey for the All Blacks, replacing Aaron Cruden who is still recovering from the chest muscle injury suffered in the Bledisloe Cup test victory two weeks ago.

After the announcement of his team to play against the Pumas in Napier, head coach Steve Hansen knows they'll be a very tough side to play.

Argentina are working to align their mental focus with their renowned physical prowess to compete with the All Blacks on Saturday.

Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe's face said it all afterwards.

In a game of unrelenting physical inquisition where hard minds had to deliver the horsepower, Cane delivered a performance to admire, writes Wynne Gray.

Hooker Andrew Hore returns to All Black action in one of two changes to the side to play Argentina at La Plata on Sunday.

Yet another milestone in the bag for Daniel Carter, along with one more All Blacks victory, but the first-five is unlikely to look back on this match with much fondness.

It was a solid display last night but the option taking - across the whole team - wasn't up to scratch.

Not much beauty and not enough of the beast - other than win, the All Blacks didn't do anything last night to force any radical change in opinion about where they currently stand.

Most of the noise about Argentina converges on the power in their pack.

The All Black press conference was an early start. It was at their Hamilton hotel though and players knew it was on their agenda.

Argentina stared at rugby history twice and blinked.

Sanzar reckon that by Christmas they will have a new plan for what Super Rugby should look like in 2016. Maybe they will, but contrary to impressions, they are a long way from agreement.

Sir Graham Henry had an effect on the Pumas after their mauling by the Springboks - and is continuing his efforts to make the Argentine team more ambitious.

With two games behind them, I'm fully expecting Argentina to be competitive and challenging opposition for the All Blacks.

It's fortunate for Argentina that their Sanzar partners are prepared to take a long term view in regard to the Pumas' involvement in the Rugby Championship.

The Bledisloe Cup safely retained - now for the hard bit. Raising the level against Argentina then South Africa was something the All Blacks failed to do at the corresponding stage of last season.