Fullback Ben Smith is confident the All Blacks can adapt to any situation they strike against Argentina, after honest and open discussions over the loss to South Africa.
The All Blacks leadership was questioned after the 36-34 loss to the Springboks in Wellington two weeks ago, especially the decision to chase a match-winning try, instead of taking a drop goal in front of the posts during the final seconds.
Coach Steve Hansen admitted his players should probably have gone for the three-pointer, a comment that cast doubts over the All Blacks leaders.
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Smith, who was on the right wing for the game, said the loss gave players a huge wake-up call and a reminder of what they needed to work on for next year’s World Cup in Japan.
They will look to bounce back and show their ability to adapt under pressure on Sunday morning (NZ time), when they face the Pumas at the Estadio Jose Amalfitani in Buenos Aires.
"From a leadership point of view, it's about recognising about what's needed when and implementing that," said Smith.
"I think, at times, we didn't take quite the right options, so [it's about] making sure that going back over the footage, we can look at how we can get better.
"As a team, we want to improve, and we want to know the situations and where we can get better."
"We have to make sure that we've got things in place that if they adjust, we have different ways to attack or defend.
"That's the thing with the Rugby Championship - teams go away, they get better, they see what teams are doing and they adjust, so we're going to have to do the same this weekend."
Smith said the toughest thing about the loss to the Springboks was the fact the All Blacks let themselves down.
"As players, we were disappointed with how we performed, but I think the biggest thing was we let ourselves down.
"It's easy to be motivated, because we feel like we can get big improvements in our game and as players, we're excited to get out there and show we're a better team on Saturday."
Smith will return to his preferred position at fullback for the game against Argentina, replacing Jordie Barrett in the 15 jersey, as one of six changes made to the starting line-up against South Africa.
TJ Perenara will start in his 50th test, replacing Aaron Smith, who will come off the bench.
Sonny Bill Williams makes his return at second-five, replacing Anton Lienert-Brown, while Waisake Naholo comes onto the right wing for Smith.
In the forwards, prop Ofa Tuungafasi replaces Owen Franks in the front row. With captain Kieran Read and Liam Squire absent, Luke Whitelock and Shannon Frizell move into the loose forwards.
Prop Angus Ta'avao is in line to debut off the bench.
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