ABs relax in Buenos Aires
All Blacks take it easy on opening tour day
The All Blacks have come through a light first training session in Buenos Aires ahead of their one-off test against the Pumas on Saturday.
The two-hour session was predominantly light, as the eleven players who arrived only yesterday were given time to shake off their jet-lag.
The strating front eight were given a rather more serious working over, while the backs took time to get used to their new formation, including new arrival Scott Hamilton and the untried centre pairing of Sam Tuitupou and Isaia Toeava.
Hamilton's training was cut short by an ankle complaint which should not cause any trouble beyond Tuesday.
"It's not ideal having just a week to get the combination going, it's not a lot of time, but we have to make the most of it," wing Gear said to the NZPA after the run-out.
"The good thing is DC (Dan Carter) is there and Leon's at the back so we've got guys that can help them out if things aren't going too well.
For the starting XV it will be the first action since the end of the Super 14 for many, which is a month ago. Many observers are guessing the All Blacks might be a little rusty, but Gear was defiant over the freshness of the team.
"It was hard to watch the Irish games and a little bit different (watching the second test against the Irish in Buenos Aires) though personally it's been really good to have a rest and tidy up a few niggles."
Graham Henry will confirm the chosen seven for the bench on Wednesday, with the starting XV having been named back in April.
