All Blacks: I was pleased with our composure - Henry

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry. Photo / Christine Cornege

The All Blacks and their staff survived a repeat of the quarter-final horrors that boiled their Rugby World Cup campaign four years ago.

It was a real slog at Eden Park last night, but the All Blacks soaked up the Argentine onslaught to ease out to a flattering victory margin.

However, they have a lengthening injury list, with Colin Slade and Mils Muliaina hurt and Cory Jane troubled late by an ankle problem.

He had played strongly and needed to, after being censured for his drinking binge with Israel Dagg three nights before the quarter-final.

Slade has damaged a groin and Muliaina was heading for x-rays on a shoulder problem. "I think he [Muliaina] might be in a bit of trouble," coach Graham Henry said.

Despite those issues, Henry's demeanour was upbeat afterwards joking he had not been in a semifinal before so it was "bloody amazing".

"I thought it was a tough old game of football and I was pleased with the composure of our side," he said.

It was a good workout, Henry said, and he was sure the All Blacks would be far better prepared for their semifinal against the Wallabies after the Pumas' strenuous examination.

Halfback Piri Weepu had been one of the standout players with his allround game and superb goalkicking from halfback.

Replacement five-eighths Aaron Cruden showed his talent, after coming into the squad halfway through the tournament and then being asked to come off the bench early last night.

For someone who had not played a test for some time he had showed a great deal of grit and spirit.

The All Blacks had taken some time to score, but it was a tough international. Argentina had been dogged at setpiece, they did not overcommit in the breakdown and they slowed possession down.

"We needed to build the game over a period of time, our setpiece was good and I thought our scrum was particularly good," he said.

"We just didn't get quick enough ball at the tackle particularly early in the game and that is something I guess we have to address and also we have to give credit to the opposition for the work they did in that area."

Captain Richie McCaw said if his squad was realistic about putting every effort into winning the title, then it was about making good decisions.

He acknowledged the recent drinking incident had not fallen into the wise-decision category.

Now they face the Wallabies. Henry said the Springboks would be disappointed they had fallen short.

"That is the nature of quarter-final rugby though," he said.