All Blacks change six

Conrad Smith: One of five changes for the All Blacks

New Zealand have made six changes to their line-up for the Rugby Championship visit of Argentina on Saturday.

Conrad Smith makes his return to the side for the Wellington clash after recovering from eye surgery.

Smith has been named at outside centre and will resume his midfield partnership with Ma'a Nonu as the All Blacks try to plug the gap left by Sonny Bill Williams' departure to Japan.

Tony Woodcock returns to the front row following a rib cartilage problem, while Victor Vito and Brodie Retallick are preferred to Liam Messam and Samuel Whitelock.

There is a surprise inclusion of Julian Savea, who was dropped after an indifferent performance in the second Test against Ireland last June.

Focus

Savea has been preferred to Hosea Gear on the left wing, while prop Charlie Faumuina is poised to make his debut against the Pumas after being named among the replacements.

Coach Steve Hansen was forced into a sixth change when Dan Carter was forced to pull out with a calf strain - so Aaron Cruden comes into the line-up, with Beauden Barrett promoted to the bench.

"We have been working on constantly improving our game and that has again been our focus this week," said Hansen.

"We were happy with our intensity and attitude in the last Test against Australia, but not so happy with our execution, when we didn't get the decision-making process right on occasions. So we are looking for improvement in that area this weekend."

New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (capt), 6 Victor Vito, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Liam Messam, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Beauden Barrett, 22 Ben Smith