Beauden Barrett declared fit for Hamilton game against Argentina

New Zealand have received a much needed breakthrough ahead of the Hamilton game against Argentina with Beauden Barrett declared fit for the weekend's encounter.

The news follows after veteran lock Boride Retallick also is available for the clash after making successful comeback from a cheekbone fracture.

Barrett sustained a neck injury during a training session ahead of the previous round game against the Pumas and his place on the bench was taken by debutant Stephen Perofeta.

”I’m feeling really good, sun’s on the back, beautiful Hamilton day, and good to get a full training under my belt, too.”

“It’s [the neck] feeling better. I’m working hard on it. I’ve realised that I’ve got to get a neck like a front rower to be able to handle these knocks, so I’ve been working hard on it in the gym with Pete.

“A few more shoulder-on tackles, and I’d say I’m just about ready to go.”

This was also Barrett's second injury during the competition as he suffered a dangerous collision with Springbok wing Kurt-Lee Arendse in the closing stage of the opening game.

“I guess it all adds up. It’s another knock, and you try and treat everything in isolation.

"Maybe it did have a compounding effect, but I’m feeling pretty good this week, just working on it each day, rehabbing, strengthening.”