All Blacks v Argentina: Captain Sam Cane says NZ won't engage in Pumas tactics in Tri Nations test

All Blacks captain Sam Cane is confident his side won't get caught up in Argentina's off-the-ball tactics in their Tri Nations Clash on Saturday.

The All Blacks are out to avenge their historic 25-15 defeat to the Pumas earlier this month, while trying to avoid their third successive defeat since 1998. 

If they are to win, the All Blacks' discipline will need to improve, after costing them dearly in their last two games, conceding 26 penalties. 

During their loss to Argentina, flanker Shannon Frizell and hooker Dane Coles were penalised for engaging in scuffles - both incidents that could easily have been avoided. 

Pumas coach Mario Ledesma has put emphasis on getting his players to disrupt opposition ball, and Argentina used similar tactics last weekend, when they battled back to draw 15-15 against Australia. 

Earlier this week, World Rugby told referees that anyone who gave more than he just received should be the one singled out for punishment.

"It's a funny one, because the retaliation was the reason for the retaliation," says Cane. "I'm not going to talk about what they're going to do, but we're not going to buy into any of their tactics.

"No matter what they do, unless it's below the line, then we will be getting on with our jobs." 

Coles expects the Pumas to bring the same aggression and flare in the rematch, but plans to stay out of the scuffles - something he will find difficult. 

Marcos Kremer of Argentina pushes Shannon Frizell.
Marcos Kremer of Argentina pushes Shannon Frizell. Photo credit: Getty

"They do bring a lot of heat in that department, but we can't let them dictate that sort of stuff," says Coles.

"If they do bring it, as hard as it is sometimes to take, you've just got to walk away with a smile on your face and get on with your next task.

"We know it's going to come this week as well. I suppose, with my personality, it's a little bit harder, so I've done the most work in the team, especially as a leader and a senior player, to make sure I lead by example.

"It doesn't mean you can't play hard and have intent, but it's just doing the stupid stuff that costs penalties and keeps them in the game.

All Blacks v Argentina: Captain Sam Cane says NZ won't engage in Pumas tactics in Tri Nations test

"Individually, I've had to probably do more than most people in the team to make sure it doesn't happen again."

That passion and flare could be on display even more, after the death of Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona. 

"I know they will probably take a lot of pride and emotion about representing him, so they will be extra pumped up,'' says Coles.

"We are pretty driven as well, so it's going to be full of emotion... I'm looking forward to it.''

Join us at 9:45pm Saturday for live updates of the All Blacks v Argentina Tri Nations clash