The Samoan game was a tough one to judge but the All Blacks will ultimately benefit from the hit-out before the Rugby Championship begins.

The Rugby Championship is now the only opportunity to test and solve any issues before the World Cup, says Justin Marshall.

Brutal running game earns winger place in starting line-up to face physical Samoa. A season of relentless lows for George Moala has spiked to an unprecedented high with the Blues utility back named to win his first test cap against Samoa. Moala will take his place on the right wing in a starting XV

After a strong season in which they retained their No 1 world ranking, the All Blacks unsurprisingly dominate the 2014 Steinlager Rugby Awards nominations.

The 34-man All Black squad for the four-test Northern Tour has been named. Daniel Richardson takes a look at the five talking points.

Wynne Gray writes: The annual rugby war cry across the Ditch has a 'this is our time' theme before it is replaced with growing regularity by 'Wallabies in disarray' headlines.

Aaron Cruden has done his time - he'll travel to Brisbane with the rest of the ABs today - but the discomfort of being the outer for the last two tests could continue.

One of the most experienced rugby referees has questioned whether TV producers helped the Springboks win their match against the All Blacks last weekend.

While the All Blacks have no desire to downplay South Africa's victory or obvious potential, it's not as if they don't have similar room for growth, writes Gregor Paul.

The All Blacks will make some squad changes to face Australia, with the decision made to rest Ben Smith.

The big winner in the All Blacks' overseas stint of the Rugby Championship was Malakai Fekitoa.

Keven Mealamu, Beauden Barrett and Malakai Fekitoa grabbed opportunities to make different sorts of statements at Ciudad Estadio de La Plata yesterday.

Herald rugby writers Gregor Paul, Patrick McKendry and Chris Rattue answer three key questions from this morning's match between the All Blacks and Argentina.

The All Blacks have won the Rugby Championship with a test to spare, a bonus-point victory over Argentina at La Plata today

For two All Blacks at the opposite ends of their careers, Sunday's test against Argentina will be significant for very different reasons.

Sam Whitelock and Jerome Kaino will provide a boost to the re-shuffled All Blacks team against Argentina at La Plata on Sunday after recovering from their injuries.

Shamed All Black Aaron Cruden could face further punishment after a boozy night out in Auckland saw him miss an airport check-in and the tour to Argentina and South Africa.

Aaron Cruden has spoken out after being dropped from the All Blacks squad for disciplinary reasons, saying "he is deeply embarrassed" by his lack of judgement.