Beauden Barrett will start at flyhalf in one of four changes to the All Blacks side to face Argentina in Napier on Saturday.

Aaron Cruden's injury has opened the door for the young Hurricanes pivot, who will get his first chance to show what he can do from the saddle in this, his 22nd Test.

Barrett impressed for the Hurricanes earlier this season, ending the Super Rugby competition as the second highest point-scorer. Cruden is suffering with a chest injury, sustained in the victory over the Wallabies, and is expected to be back for their showdown with the Springboks next weekend.

'Aaron could have played but the selectors weren't prepared to take the risk of him re-injuring himself and being out for a long period,' said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.

Elsewhere in the backline, Ma'a Nonu returns to inside centre following a shoulder injury. Israel Dagg is also welcomed back, having missed the two matches against Australia altogether. Ben Smith has been shifted to wing to accommodate Dagg's inclusion at fullback, while Cory Jane drops out of the match-day squad.

Hansen has retained faith in the pack that decimated the Wallabies at Eden Park, with Liam Messam retaining his blindside role.

Colin Slade will assume Barrett's position on the bench, while Jeremy Thrush and Joe Moody are included on the wood.

All Blacks – 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Joe Moody, 19 Jeremy Thrush, 20 Sam Cane, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Colin Slade, 23 Malakai Fekitoa.

Rugby Championship teams (Round 3)

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images