All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said both teams are looking to play a fast style of game, and his selection was made with the balance and experience to compete with Argentina.
For some of his side, the three weeks since the third Test against France had given them a time to recharge, and they have been keen to get back into their training routines.
"We've had a great week and the bonus energy has been great."
Robertson said his choice of Beauden Barrett at first five-eighths, with Damian McKenzie on the bench, came down to Barrett's experience.
"He can get you around the field and Dmac [McKenzie] is one of the best players to come off the bench and with his change of pace, speed, it's a great balance. Beauden is in great form, so he gets picked."
With the Argentine crowds passionate in their support, Robertson said the side's visit to a Boca Juniors game at the weekend gave them an idea of what they can expect on Sunday in Cordoba.
"Argentina, when they play, are a great passing team. They work hard off the ball to create opportunities. They've got a great, experienced backline, and the forward pack have been through a lot of battles together. We saw against the Lions what they can create."
The set piece would be critical to success. Getting an advantage in that area created the opportunity to apply more pressure, and the Argentine kicking game was effective.
"They are extremely well coached in that and when they execute it, they can put you in the corners. We know how aggressive they are and they good with ball in hand and the breakdown too."
Robertson is familiar with ace Argentina flanker Pablo Matera from the season he spent with the Crusaders.
"We know he's a hell of a player. He is very physical and tough. And when Pablo turns up, Argentina turns up."
Matera and Marcus Kremer will also provide a challenge for Tupou Vaa'i, who, while having played 40 Tests, is only starting out playing on the blindside of the scrum, with Du'Plessis Kirifi on the open side.
"He's [Kirifi] just starting his career, but he can have a lot of presence at the breakdown and these are the nights you want to see someone like him go head to head."
Kirifi said starting is another opportunity for him to play and is grateful for the chance.
"I felt I built into the role as the French series went on and was proud of how I played in the third Test under unique circumstances. It was unfortunate that Lukey [Jacobson] went down in the warm-up, but we always talk about being ready for anything.
"I'm kind of glad that the first couple of Tests are over and all the noise around me becoming an All Black is behind me and now I can focus on training hard and playing well."
Halfback Cortez Ratima said the All Blacks were looking to affect the crowd's enthusiasm by starting well.
"It's about starting fast and making sure we show that we're here to play."
With Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham suffering injuries, Ratima said their replacements, Finlay Christie and Kyle Preston, have settled in and are on top of their work.
"As nines [halfbacks] we always pick off each other's ideas and we're finding ways to work with each other."
Argentina have won three of their last five Tests at home, with Australia and South Africa beaten. Their two losses were with an understrength team fielded against England last month.
The Pumas are one win away from winning their 250th Test, but their eight percent win rate against New Zealand is their lowest against regular Test opponents. The success of Argentina's growing style of play is reflected in the 3.3 tries per game they scored in last year's Rugby Championship – its highest average since joining the Championship.
LIVE on Sky Sport - Sunday 17 August: All Blacks vs Argentina, 09:10AM NZST (6.10PM ART, Saturday 16 August). The match is also available in selected territories on NZR+, learn more HERE.
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All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets; * denotes debutant)
1. Ethan de Groot (32) 2. Codie Taylor (98) 3. Fletcher Newell (25) 4. Scott Barrett (81) (Captain) 5. Fabian Holland (3) 6. Tupou Vaa’i (40) 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (3) 8. Ardie Savea (97) (Vice-Captain) 9. Cortez Ratima (14) 10. Beauden Barrett (136) 11. Rieko Ioane (83) 12. Jordie Barrett (71) (Vice-Captain) 13. Billy Proctor (4) 14. Sevu Reece (34) 15. Will Jordan (44)
Reserves: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (33) 17. Ollie Norris (2) 18. Pasilio Tosi (9) 19. Patrick Tuipulotu (53) 20. Samipeni Finau (11) 21. Finlay Christie (23) 22. Anton Lienert-Brown (85) 23. Damian McKenzie (64)