Argentina are one of best defensive sides in the World - Sam Cane

New Zealand captain Sam Cane heaped praises on Argentina as the two teams lock horns in the third round of the Rugby Championship at Orangetheory Stadium on Saturday.

The Pumas registered their only win over New Zealand during their 2020 Rugby Championship clash in Gold Coast with a 25-15 margin but since then has lost three consecutive games against them.

The Pumas will be entering the weekend's game brimming with confidence after defeating Australia 48-17 in the second round of the competition and Cane is wary of threat from Michael Cheika's men.

"I've played the Pumas a fair few times. They're one of the best defensive sides in the world when they get it right. They're very hard to attack against, and they cause us trouble at the breakdown.

"If we don't kick well, or have a good chase line, they can spread the ball well. They've got some exciting backs with exceptional footwork, so we've been doing our homework on them for sure."

"One thing we know about the Pumas is they will turn up with plenty of passion and [will] play with plenty of emotion and throw everything at you. We're aware of that and will make sure we match that, and play with physicality and intensity, if not more.

"A few years ago we got dragged into off-the-ball stuff so it's important we stay task-focused."