Their two best performances at last year’s World Cup give Argentina reason for cheer, though they admit “perfect” rugby will be needed to topple the All Blacks on Saturday.

The last time Los Pumas were in Wellington they snatched a late 13-12 World Cup pool defeat of Scotland to set up qualification for the knockout phase.

In their quarter-final against New Zealand, they blocked access to their tryline until the 68th minute before a rugged affair blew out to a 33-10 loss.

Two All Blacks stars at Eden Park that night were lock Brad Thorn and flanker Jerome Kaino, who have left the country. First five-eighth Dan Carter’s omission on Thursday with a calf injury provides another potential chink in the world champions’ armour.

By contrast, Argentina welcome their two best players – captain Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe and first five-eighth Juan Martin Hernandez – who both missed the Auckland Test with injury.

Bruising No.8 Lobbe said the two late All Blacks tries in the quarter-final were an important focus in the leadup to Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test.

“We have to maintain the initiative for 80 minutes. We will try to be perfect in defence and perfect in attack and get off that field feeling empty,” he said.

“It’s a great, great opportunity for us. It’s the highest level you can face in world rugby.”

Lobbe said the defeat of Scotland was “huge” for his team but ruefully noted the blustery conditions for that match were forecast to be even worse on Saturday.

“When the ball is up in the air it does some funny stuff here. But it’s up to us to adapt quickly and try to play simple rugby and for the execution to be perfect,” he said.