The All Blacks expect a confident Argentine approach after their record win over Australia. They know that, like themselves, the Pumas would be looking to build on that effort.
Second five-eighths David Havili expects an 'awesome Test' that would be an arm wrestle, and the All Blacks were up for the challenge.
Havili said he and centre Rieko Ioane could take a lot of confidence from their developing combination after the Ellis Park win over South Africa. It had been a high-pressure, high-stakes game, and they could take confidence from that into their games against Argentina.
"It's an absolute pleasure to play with Reiks, you just see what he can do on the field if you give him a wee bit of time and space. He's a world-class athlete so it's exciting."
Havili said he was enjoying former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt's involvement with the side.
"I've learnt so much off him, and I think the more I can get around him, an experienced coach and the detail he brings to the game is something I enjoy – the wee bits he can take out from my game, and I've been able to implement into the weekend.
"It's cool to have him around, and I'm looking forward to continuing working with him.
"He never leaves a stone unturned, he wants the best out of the player. He pushes you to be better."
Wing Will Jordan said it was a buzz to have a Test in Christchurch as there hadn't been too many since the 2011 earthquake, and having the home comforts while preparing was also enjoyable.
He was expecting more receipt of high balls from Argentina, who had employed the tactic successfully against Australia in their first two games. The All Blacks had worked hard to continue their development in coping with the aerial assault after having blunted the Springboks' efforts in their last outing.
Jordan said the leaders in the side had made the point that the Ellis Park win was not only a stepping stone for the side but a step in the right direction.
"It was great to get back into winning ways and it's about going out there this week and being able to back that up. One-off performances are great, but they're not that good in the long term. It's important we go out this week and do well again."
Their improved start in Johannesburg meant they didn't have to chase the game from the early stages.
"It certainly helps getting off to a fast start. It doesn't always happen with the way Test matches roll through, so I think it's about trying to get momentum when you can, and trying to hold on to that.
"We saw in the Ellis Park Test that it does swing back and forth, and it was great, in that last 10 minutes, to get that momentum back and finish strong."