That potion was on the boil once more yesterday after Daniel Carter withdrew from the All Blacks because of a strained calf muscle.
So Cruden was promoted to begin his 13th international against the Pumas, a team he faced as the All Blacks endured theirfive-eighths' injury dramas in the World Cup.
Cruden was drafted into the squad in place of the injured Carter and in the next match against the Pumas he came off the bench to replace the seriously injured Colin Slade.
This time he has come in for Carter again after the senior five-eighths could not complete training because of a calf strain.
Coach Steve Hansen said Carter had a left calf problem but the medical staff hoped he would improve.
"However, at training this morning it was apparent that he would not be able to play so we have done the sensible thing and withdrawn him from the test match."
Cruden slots in to the backline outside his former Manawatu halfback buddy Aaron Smith while Taranaki's Beauden Barrett has been called into the reserves.
