Smith and Nonu arrange a reunion
It may not be as an exciting prospect as watching Sonny Bill Williams' unique skill-sets, but there is no doubt the old guard of Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith will be just as effective.
In the wake of Williams' departure to Japan last week, Nonu will move one position in – from outside centre into the No.12 spot occupied by Williams – while Smith returns after having recovered from his eye surgery and will wear the No.13 jersey.
It may not elicit the same excitement as when Williams dazzled at inside centre in the first two rounds of the Rugby Championship – 27-19 and 22-0 victories over the Wallabies – but against the more physically imposing Argentineans this week a more traditional approach will come in handy.
It also means New Zealand will again field the most prolific backline partnership in All Black history – as they will play together for the 35th time.
The Smith-Nonu midfield axis hasn't been sighted since the World Cup Final last October.
Smith linked with Williams for the three-Test series against Ireland in June, while Nonu combined with Williams at outside centre for the encounters with Australia.
Smith is a welcome returnee, according to assistant coach Ian Foster.
"He's a quality player, I think he was the best player in the country in Super Rugby so to have him back fit and strong is great," Foster said.
"He brings lots of leadership and lots of experience to the decision-making part of the game in the backs.
"Him and Ma'a getting back together after a while apart could be interesting too."
For Smith, training in Wellington on Monday was another step towards a return to the All Blacks following his eye injury.
But for Daniel Carter it was a journey back to the dark days of last year's World Cup injury.
It was at Rugby League Park in Newtown that Carter ruptured his groin during kicking practice ahead of the All Blacks' final pool match against Canada and he quickly acknowledged the occasion in a tweet.
"Finished first training of the day. Same place as I injured my groin last year #badmemories."
Much of the pre-match talk about the Pumas, who arrived in the capital on Sunday looking extremely weary, has been about their traditional forward power but Foster said they could be a difficult team to get through.
"Defensively they've been quite a hard nut to break and you look back at the World Cup last year and their games this year and they've been a very strong defensive team. Their backs are certainly very clued up in that area.
"In attack they've probably got a limited formula but they'll still try to use the ball if we give them too many soft opportunities. We've still got to be on our game."
Sources: Fairfax NZ News & APNZ
