Conrad Smith: Pumas no longer an unfamiliar foe

Two years of regular competition against Argentina have helped the All Blacks adapt to their once unfamiliar foes.

Since the Pumas joined the Rugby Championship in 2012, the All Blacks have traditionally struggled in the first of their two scheduled encounters against the South Americans then bounced back with a more dominant performance in the second.

Strangely, those improved efforts have taken place during the away leg in La Plata but veteran centre Conrad Smith says the All Blacks have made plans to hit the ground running when the sides meet in Napier on Saturday.

"We've talked about how we've been slow to learn when we first play them," he said.

"We spend 80 minutes playing against them, learning their style and then we have traveled over there and played a lot better.

"It's something we're keen to address – realising the differences they bring to the game and being prepared for it."

Smith described the Argenitians as a 'different beast' compared to Australia and South Africa despite suggestions they are a one dimensional side.

Indeed the Pumas scrum well and aren't shy to take on anyone in the tight. But Smith said the most troubling aspect of their game has been a defensive system that is quite deceiving.

"They'll line up very tight and you'll think there's a bit of room on the outside but then they're very good at shutting that space down.

"There's a few of us that have experienced that for a couple of years now and hopefully we're prepared for it. We'll train for it during the week."

Argentina has had just under a year with new coach Daniel Hourcade, who also coached Portugal, but signs haven't been positive since their win-less Rugby Championship campaign in 2013.

They lost to England and Wales during the November international window and barley scraped past Italy. 

However, Smith insists he has seen gains in their performances - most notably when they pushed the Springboks hard in a 33-31 loss a fortnight ago.

"I think they're getting better and better. They're improving a lot as a team and that's always going to be the case as they get more exposure in this Rugby Championship."

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