Recent tests: All Blacks v Argentina

The All Blacks' victory in La Plata last year sealed the Rugby Championship trophy in Argentina's first year in the competition. Photo / Getty

As the All Blacks prepare to host Argentina in Hamilton on Saturday night, nzherald.co.nz looks back on five recent encounters between the two teams.

All Blacks 41 Argentina 7, Hamilton, June 26, 2004
Chris Rattue: Rugby was definitely the loser on the day
The last time the two sides met at Waikato Stadium was nine years ago when the Tana Umaga-led All Blacks cruised to another comfortable win over the Pumas a week after sweeping aside World Champions England in two tests. The men in black crossed over for five tries, including one for debutant Mose Tuiali'i, as Andrew Mehrtens converted them all and added two penalties to finish with 16 points. Three current All Blacks made the field that day: Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock and Richie McCaw, while Keven Mealamu and Dan Carter were left on the bench.

All Blacks 25 Argentina 19, Buenos Aires, June 24, 2006
Match report
With a three-week gap between a two-test series against Ireland and the start of the Tri Nations, the All Blacks travelled to Argentina after a five-year absence. Jerry Collins led the All Blacks as they snuck out a six-point win over the Pumas after trailing at halftime. Dan Carter, debutant Scott Hamilton and Leon MacDonald - who was also yellow carded - all crossed over for New Zealand while Argentina's Federico Todeschini scored his side's only try but kept them in the match with four penalties. It was an off night for both kickers as Carter and Todeschini missed eight kicks between them.

All Blacks 33 Argentina 10, Auckland, October 9, 2011
Wynne Gray: Job done, Wallabies await
After a five-year break the All Blacks and Argentina met once again and this time there was plenty to play for - a spot in the Rugby World Cup semis. Piri Weepu was the hero for the All Blacks as he calmly slotted seven penalties. It was panic stations early on for New Zealand however when Argentina took a 7-6 lead with a Julio Farias Cabello try in the 31st minute. It got worse for All Blacks fans when Colin Slade left the field a minute later and Aaron Cruden, New Zealand's third ranked No 10, took his place on the field. However Weepu kept kicking penalties and when Kieran Read crashed over in the 66th minute the All Blacks went out to a 23-10 lead - game over. Brad Thorn scored a late try and the All Blacks celebrated Mils Muliaina's 100th test by booking a highly anticipated semifinal clash with Australia.

All Blacks 21 Argentina 5, Wellington, September 8, 2012
ABS must turn out lights and move on
The All Blacks' high-powered attack suffered something of a power outage for much of their first match against Argentina in the Rugby Championship - and the hosts weren't the only ones. With 160km/h winds in Wellington tearing roofs off houses and uprooting trees, Westpac Stadium didn't escape unharmed. After a power cut plunged the stadium into darkness, half time took half an hour as both teams returned to the sheds while the floodlights were revived. The stoppage was appropriate in a patchy performance from the All Blacks, who were flattered by late tries from Julian Savea and Cory Jane.

All Blacks 54 Argentina 15, La Plata, September 29, 2012
McCaw: We played like champions
The All Blacks were much better the second time around, with the return match three weeks later sealing the Rugby Championship trophy. The All Blacks were at their clinical best in La Plata, putting together their finest display of the season after a series of scratchy performances in the competition to date. Argentina had previously run Australia close and drawn with South Africa in their maiden season in the new-look Rugby Championship but they were no match for a well-oiled New Zealand unit, despite a the backing of a fiery home crowd. Corey Jane grabbed a hat-trick and Julian Savea had two of his side's seven tries, ensuring the All Blacks secured the silverware before travelling to South Africa.