Argentina, New Zealand Ready For Battle

Argentina and New Zealand are stepping up their preparations for Saturday's Rugby Championship clash in La Plata.

Argentina have been difficult to beat at home and only lost by one point in Australia last time out although New Zealand go into the match with a perfect record having won all four matches to date.

All Blacks winger Ben Smith has enjoyed a tournament to remember and has already scored five tries, which puts him two ahead of his nearest challenger - Argentina's Juan Manuel Leguizamón.

"I am really enjoying the structures that are in place and it's good as a winger because you know it's been good the people inside have done a lot of work and then it makes your job as a winger a lot easier so I think the game plan we are working really suits this team," Smith said.

Expecting a challenge come Saturday, New Zealand flanker Liam Messam added:

"They are a total different team when they come here, and its going to be another awesome atmosphere.

"It's going to be a hostile atmosphere as it was last year, so we know they really lift when they get home so we are under no illusions that it's going to be a tough one."

In the corresponding fixture last year, Argentina were eventually well beaten 54-15 but having already pushed South Africa and Australia close in this year's tournament, Argentina will look to take advantage of the absence through injury to key New Zealand pair Richie McCaw and Daniel Carter.

Nevertheless, coach Santiago Phelan does not expect their unavailability to unduly hamper New Zealand.

"We all know that (Richie) McCaw and (Dan) Carter are two fundamental players with the New Zealand team but I think you can say they have a very balanced team, even if you look at the players that are there to replace them they have the same or even better level," he said.

"We know that New Zealand is a team that is so complete in all its lines and so yes we do know that it is important those players are not playing for them, but more so we know very well we are facing an all powerful team."

Video courtesy of SNTV