All Blacks v Argentina: Coach Ian Foster plays training mind games to improve discipline

When Argentina shocked the rugby world in Sydney, they did it by getting under the All Blacks’ skin.

But when the two sides meet again this weekend, the under-pressure men in black are confident they're now better equipped to handle what they say has been their biggest letdown of the tour.

"It's clearly been our discipline," says All Blacks fullback Beauden Barrett. 

During training, coach Ian Foster has been recreating match-like scenarios they could face on Saturday. 

"Fozzy’s been working really hard on that, just coming up with some creative games, where potentially the players might get a little bit upset with some of his decisions," says forwards coach John Plumtree. 

Barrett has been around the All Blacks long enough to know every player must take it upon themself to handle the heat.

"It starts with the individual,” he says. “We need to train the brain as well and put away time in our week, so we are growing the mental side of the game."  

Part of that is ensuring they don't play the game in their heads before the night itself, with the squad rearing to go and out for revenge over the Pumas.   

"The boys are ready to go now, we just had to hold them back," Plumtree says. 

When they do play, they must also punish the Argentina defence and take advantage of what they've been able to create.

"We clearly saw opportunities in the review we didn't feel and see in the game,” says Barrett. “We are kicking ourselves for missing those." 

Taking those opportunities is key, if the All Blacks are to avoid their third straight defeat on Saturday. 

Join us on Saturday for live updates of the All Blacks v Argentina Tri Nations clash.