All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said Argentina made the most of a couple of bounces of the ball in Wellington last year to stay in the fight and claim a win.
"They create a lot. They're a team with a lot of experience. A lot of them play in Europe, they're well coached and play with passion.
"They've got speed to finish, so they're threatening. It's Test footy and among the top eight anyone can beat anyone on the night. You've got to be at your best in every game."
Robertson said each of the teams would be feeling how competitive this year's Championship is likely to be.
"You've got an Aussie team that played some great footy at the back of their Test series [with the British & Irish Lions].
"You've got the South Africans. We know how strong they are and the Argentinians on their day are so creative. It's a hell of a competition, very tight and just what we need."
He confirmed that No.8 Wallace Sititi and prop Tamaiti Williams will not be considered for the first of the two Tests.
Robertson said, Ardie Savea, who has played 17 games already in the season and spent most of those on the field, has had a three-week break and was looking in the form of his life.
"We'll take it week by week. We're mindful of his minutes, but one thing about him is he's resilient and consistent. We look after and manage individuals, but he's in the zone at the moment."
With injuries at halfback, Cortez Ratima looks set to start in Cordoba.
Robertson said, "He's played 10 Tests for us now. We gave him a good crack last year to be ready for moments like this. He's learning like everyone does, but he gets the ball off the deck and into a 10's [first five-eighths'] hands and we want to play fast, and he'll get better with experience and maturity."
He said everyone knows what is ahead of them, and now was the chance to build and perform without many of the distractions that occur at home in New Zealand.
"One of the gifts of being involved with an international rugby team is touring. You're living with a group of people that love the same sport as you. You've got some great mates and a target at the end of the week. But you enjoy the process of getting there and having fun."
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