NZ cruising for a bruising
The All Blacks were counting the bruises on Tuesday after an intensely physical training session as they ramped up preparations for the defence of their World Cup title.
Wing Julian Savea said: "It was pretty full-on training. It was a good hit-out, some bumps and bruises."
But despite the intensity of the training session there were no injuries to report.
Utility back Colin Slade said the frustation of not having had a full training session for several days was evident.
"For a couple of days here we've been doing promotional stuff. The boys haven't been able to touch a ball for a couple of days – so the boys were a bit itchy," he said.
"Today was about physicality. There was a bit of contact out there and it was good to get that out of the system."
The All Blacks know from experience they are in for a rugged opening match against Los Pumas, who fancy their chances to dominate using a muscular forward pack.
In the last World Cup, when the two sides met in the quarterfinals, Argentina led 7-6 midway through the first half before the All Blacks went into overdrive to win 33-10.
It was not a game that holds pleasant memories for Slade who only lasted 30 minutes, before a groin injury ended his World Cup campaign.
"They came out firing and they got on top of us early, and for me personally it wasn't the happiest night at the office," he said.
"But the boys rallied. We talked about hanging in there, and finishing off well towards the end of the game.
"They're going to come out firing, we're expecting that, and we just need to be able to handle that."
Centre Ma'a Nonu, who delayed his departure from New Zealand by 24 hours to recover from a flu virus, declared himself fit and took his full part in the training.
Source: Agence France-Presse
