Nonu to be unleashed on Pumas
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen expects experienced centre Ma'a Nonu to be fit for the Test against Argentina in Napier on Saturday.
Nonu missed last week's heavy win over Australia in Auckland with a shoulder injury but Hansen told reporters the 32-year-old should be ready to return for the world champions.
The 92-Test veteran will need to prove himself at training before the team are unveiled on Thursday.
"We're sure [he's fit], but we're waiting to see because there is a whole week of training to go yet. At this stage we expect him to be available, but we don't know the team until Thursday," Hansen told media in Napier.
Stand-in Ryan Crotty played the first half at Eden Park but was forced off with a broken cheekbone which will sideline him for about a month.
The squad members missing with injury are lock Patrick Tuipulotu (ankle) and loose forward Jerome Kaino (elbow).
Hansen did his best to stress that the All Blacks cannot afford to underestimate the Pumas, who ran the Springboks close in both of their games this year.
"You could easily dismiss them because of what's happened in the past, but anyone who is watching them will certainly respect them," he said.
The All Blacks coach made it clear that the onus will be on his forwards to set the tone.
"They'll [the All Blacks forwards] have to front up at least as well as they did last week and that's about being accountable for their preparation and their roles, that's the start point," Hansen said. "We have to put a big full stop on the performance two weeks ago and get ourselves mentally and physically right for this encounter on Saturday."
