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WORLD'S BEST: Richie McCaw leads the All Blacks onto the pitch at La Plata.
The rugby thinkers, those who plan and understand these things, may be congratulating themselves on a job well done; taking credit for the lift in the Pumas' game after introducing Argentina to the Rugby Championship.
That would be pompous and arrogant as the real boost to Argentinian rugby has been the fact that most of their players now ply their trade in European rugby clubs, but in time the shift to the Rugby Championship will deliver improvement.
Whatever has contributed, there is no doubt that the Pumas are an improved team in all aspects of the game. Just getting all those aspects coordinated in the same outing is proving elusive, but they have given the South Africans and Aussies a genuine "hurry up" this year.
The latest Pumas' match shaped up to be another traditional La Plata arm-wrestle with the All Blacks consolidating their season form and the men in stripes using muscular forwards to wreak a bit of havoc - and they almost did, with the game ending as many may have predicted.
For the Pumas, it was more a game of missed chances, unforced errors and poor ball retention. You could see the tactical plan employed - it was clean and effective. Unfortunately those aforementioned errors and handling mistakes cost them delivery of that plan.
I never felt the All Blacks were in any danger during the match and aside from the customary bench-emptying untidiness, the shape of the game translated straight from the training pitch.
Crockett and his fellow front-rowers delivered another superior Area-51 style performance with the big Canterbury loosehead showing pure destructive power. His tackling, clearing-out and scrummaging may even have the Auckland-set revising their opinions about him.
Mealamu's play belied his 30-something years and he clearly relished his start in the No 2 jersey. He hit his jumpers and his round the park play was typical, physically intimidating Mealamu, delivering yet another top game.
His tighthead was less flashy, but often is, preferring uncompromising tackling and domination over his opposite to the "miss two" slight of hand stuff. We didn't see him which meant he was head down and working hard.
It was great to see Big Sam back in black - looking much like he had never been away. He gives his all every match and still remains, with his locking partner, the benchmark in how to be a lock.
Retallick was less obvious, but the forward exchanges were physically brutal and much of the game was caught up in what could have been a battle scene from Braveheart rather than a footie match.
Read was his usual imperious self and continues to do things on a rugby ground that world class backs struggle to pull off. His lineout work, defence and ranging out wide gave impetus and focus to all attacks he featured in.
Kaino looked a little rusty but played with the composure and physical intensity he loves. And as for Richie - much humble pie eaten by this sports fan - he continued to produce the very high-class leadership, skill set and play that only McCaw in world rugby has delivered.
The backs were equal to the task and looked as sharp and dangerous as they have since the 12-all draw against the Wallabies. Smith at nine was chirpy and swift in possession - although his replacement at the back of the game was anything but.
First-five is an interesting position for the All Blacks and Barrett assumed the role with all the confidence and swagger we have come to note from the Hurricane's pivot.
He was assured but did not light up the game as he would have hoped, seemingly a little uncomfortable in the surroundings. His goal-kicking was sharper - slotting 6 from 6 but while he looks a natural at the highest level, he didn't seem so ice-cool yesterday.
Fekitoa continues his education at 12 and while not a straight swap for Nonu, he brings energy and blistering pace off the mark that continued to cause the Puma inside backs cold-sweats. His change of angle on the run is devasting and he seemed to grow in stature as the game gathered pace.
Conrad Smith will always be one of the best centres to pull on the No 13 for New Zealand - more Robertson than Bunce - but worthy of that company.
The back three were destructive and compelling viewing - for anyone not cheering on the locals. Dagg has rediscovered his mojo, Ben Smith plays like three backs rolled into one, whereas the barnstorming runs, crunching defence and work ethic of Savea are unequalled by wingers anywhere.
To wrap up the series with a match in hand was a classy job well done. The All Blacks continue to raise the bar and that bodes well for next year.
I think we remain a little skinny in some areas. Unlike many who write here, we need an alternative nine to Peranara as he is not what we need - with a lesser forward pack he'd be awful.
We need to have a quality hooker and a reserve No 8 still proves to be elusive, but building to defend our title is coming along.
Shag and his team have delivered another title and while I think the quality of the opposition this year is down on previous campaigns - it is a job well done indeed.
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