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.

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.

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.

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.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has given his forwards a message - what you're doing isn't good enough.

Steve Hansen is relieved to have one crucial individual back in the fold but knows his side has to deal with other problems against the Pumas on Sunday.