As rugged as the Pumas are likely to be, the All Blacks' main opponent may be the growing anxiety that's settled in camp ahead of the looming World Cup cull.

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.

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 Herald's rugby writers answer three key questions from this morning's test between the All Blacks and the Springboks.

For the All Blacks, and in particular Julian Savea, a tougher test awaits in Johannesburg next Sunday - but they should be pleased with how they dispatched the Pumas.

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.