All Blacks make 2 changes for Argentina

New Zealand made just two changes to the run-on team to face Argentina in the Rugby Championship on Saturday, with coach Steve Hansen predicting a torrid physical battle against Los Pumas. Hansen opted for veteran Andrew Hore over Dane Coles as hooker, adding experience to a forward pack expected to be pushed hard by the Argentinians. The injury-forced replacement of star fly-half Dan Carter with Aaron Cruden was the only other change from the starting 15 that defeated South Africa 29-15 in Auckland earlier this month. Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith will play their 50th Test together in the centres in La Plata on Saturday, equalling the world record for a midfield partnership currently held by Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy. New Zealand have posted 16 wins and one draw in their 17 meetings with Argentina but Hansen said they would not underestimate a team desperate to score a historic first win in the Rugby Championship. "We know that we will have to be physically on top of our game and strategically smart," he said. "As always, we are expecting a huge challenge from Argentina and a very vocal crowd." New Zealand (15-1) - Israel Dagg; Ben Smith, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea; Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read (captain), Sam Cane, Liam Messam; Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick; Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Jeremy Thrush, Steven Luatua, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Charles Piutau. Source: AFP