McCaw not playing against Pumas
Henry relishes the BA challenge
New Zealand coach Graham Henry confirmed the team to play Argentina in a one-off test at Vélez Sarsfield stadium in Buenos Aires on Saturday and there is no sign of regular AB captain Richie McCaw.
McCaw was in charge of the two-Test whitewash of the Irish, but there was speculation that he would be on the bench when he was included in an extended tour party for Buenos Aires.
But McCaw's assistance to match captain Jerry Collins will be from the sidelines only. McCaw did not make the match-day 22 when the replacement bench was confirmed on Tuesday.
Craig Newby is providing cover for the loose forwards.
"We have a good balance in the 22," said Henry.
"There are some newer faces alongside experienced players, and versatility among the reserves.
"Playing the Pumas in Buenos Aires is always a challenge, and they will be confident after their two wins in the last two weekends.
"We debated whether Richie should stay at home and recondition but we thought his leadership was important.
"It also gives him the chance to get to know the guys that have not been in the side a lot."
Saturday's match will be the first Test for wing Scott Hamilton and the 50th for prop Greg Somerville.
Ma'a Nonu and Luke McAlister provide cover for a backline that features the untried midfield combination of Sam Tuitupou and Isaia Toeava – plus new wing Hamilton.
While the midfield pairing yields just a combined seven caps, much interest will also focus on the return from injury of 2005 Test fixtures Ali Williams and Tony Woodcock.
Lock Williams and loosehead prop Woodcock were casualties during the latter stages of the Blues unspectacular Super 14 campaign and are set the unenviable task of making their comebacks against what Henry genuinely described as world rugby's premier scrummaging force.
"It's questionable whether they'll last the full 80 minutes but they've got to start somewhere and this is a good test," Henry said, before lavishing praise on a side that have not beaten the All Blacks in a dozen previous meetings.
"There's no doubt they're a good side, they gave the Welsh a bit of a hiding in the second Test [47-25 here last Saturday].
"They have huge respect for the All Blacks so they'll play exceptionally well."
The All Blacks' biggest winning margin on Argentine soil was recorded in 1991 when the World Cup-bound side won the second of two Tests 36-6 in Buenos Aires.
However, the other four Tests played here since 1985 have been tight affairs with the All Blacks prevailing by 13, 14 and four points (24-20 on their last visit here in 2001).
The Pumas came closest to securing a landmark victory in 1985 when Hugo Porta kicked four penalties and three dropped goals to force a 21-all draw.
The All Blacks upped the intensity at another two-hour training session at Centro Naval on Tuesday with Hamilton, the only slight injury concern, running freely throughout.
He was troubled by an ankle injury after landing heavily when fielding a high ball yesterday but appeared unaffected as the backs went through their paces.
New Zealand: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Rico Gear, 13 Isaia Toeava, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Scott Hamilton, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Mose Tuiali'i, 7 Chris Masoe, 6 Jerry Collins (captain), 5 Ali Williams, 4 Jason Eaton, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Anton Oliver, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Troy Flavell, 19 Craig Newby, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Luke McAlister, 22 Ma'a Nonu.
Date: Saturday, June 24
Kick-off: 20.40 (23.40 GMT)
Venue: Vélez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires
Referee: Nigel Whitehouse (Wales)
Touch judges: Dave Pearson (England), Eric Darrière (France)
Television match official: Giulio De Santis (Italy)
Assessor: Frans Muller (South Africa)
