ALL BLACKS NAME TEAM TO FACE PUMAS:

All Blacks coach Graham Henry confirmed the team to play Argentina in a one-off test at Velez Sarsfield stadium in Buenos Aires on Saturday and there is no sign of regular All Black captain Richie McCaw.

The All Blacks selectors have announced the starting XV - to face the Pumas - before the two-test series against Ireland.

McCaw was in charge of the Kiwis' two-match whitewash of the Irish, but there was speculation that he would be on the bench when he was included in an extended tour party for Buenos Aires.

But McCaw's assistance to match captain Jerry Collins will be from the sidelines only. McCaw did not make the match-day 22 when the replacement bench was confirmed on Tuesday.

Craig Newby is providing cover for the loose forwards.

"We have a good balance in the 22," Henry said. "There are some newer faces alongside experienced players, and versatility among the reserves.

"Playing the Pumas in Buenos Aires is always a challenge, and they will be confident after their two wins in the last two weekends."

Saturday's match will be the first test for wing Scott Hamilton and the 50th for prop Greg Somerville.

New Zealand: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Rico Gear, 13 Isaia Toeava, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Scott Hamilton, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Mose Tuiali'i, 7 Chris Masoe, 6 Jerry Collins (captain), 5 Ali Williams, 4 Jason Eaton, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Anton Oliver, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Troy Flavell, 19 Craig Newby, 19 Jimmy Cowan, 20 Luke McAlister, 21 Ma'a Nonu.