Key questions: Should Cruden be worried?

Beauden Barrett of the All Blacks. Photo / Getty Images.

Herald rugby writers Gregor Paul, Patrick McKendry and Chris Rattue answer three key questions from this morning's Rugby Championship international between the All Blacks and Argentina.

Should Aaron Cruden be worried after that effort from Beauden Barrett?

Gregor Paul: Not especially. Barrett's goal-kicking was excellent but his kick-offs were still a little off and some of his decision-making was tentative. He played better in Napier probably and what was highlighted in La Plata, again, is that it is a different skill starting at No 10 and driving the game in all aspects. Barrett was probably 6.50 maybe 7 out of 10 when he wanted to be eight or possibly nine to really make Cruden squirm back home.

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Patrick McKenrdy: He would have been worried regardless of Barrett's peformance - he still has another week to watch his rival take another opportunity. Barrett was composed and tidy - all you can ask for really - and his goalkicking was superb. He will be pleased with that.

Chris Rattue: He'll be worried anyway...but Barrett didn't do enough to tear the No. 10 jersey off Cruden or leap frog him if Carter still heads the queue. Barrett is lively but not clinical. Johannesburg is the real test.

Isreal Dagg set up the All Blacks' first try and scored the second. Photo / AP

Did Malakai Fekitoa do enough to earn a start at second-five against the Springboks in Johannesburg?

Gregor Paul: Yes. He was explosive and high impact. He made a few mistakes but the ratio of good to bad was way in favour of the former. His explosive defence, ability to win turnovers and beat defenders was imperssive. He offers more in that regard than Ryan Crotty and maybe it would be best to chuck him stright back into the fray while he's running hot.

Patrick McKendry: Yes, Fekitoa was outstanding. The passing, defence and overall game sense were all there, as was his main point of difference - his explosive running.

Chris Rattue: He caused the Pumas a few problems but the All Blacks have made it clear he is a temporary No. 12. Crotty makes excellent decisons including on defence which is probably what the coaches are worried about with Fekitoa. I'd like to see Fekitoa let loose against the 'Boks on but suspect they will go with Crotty as a specialist.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw in action. Photo / AP

Was Dane Coles missed?

Gregor Paul: Surprisingly not as much as many would have imagined. Keven Mealamu looked a different player: mobile, agile and into everything. He got about well, threw much better than he has at the lineout and he looked close to being back to his old self.

Patrick McKendry: No, Mealamu was brilliant - surprisingly so given his injury problems and lineout struggles of the recent past. The running game was back and so was his ability to turn over the ball at what was an extremely physical contact area.

Chris Rattue: Not as much as seemed likely given Mealamu's patchy form so far. The veteran went very well against the Pumas but the issue is whether he can sustain that on old legs.