An uncomfortable evening awaits if the All Blacks are to beat Argentina and creep closer to the world record for consecutive Test rugby wins.

Victory in the Rugby Championship Test in Wellington on Saturday will be the 13th in succession for New Zealand and the fourth longest streak in their history.

It would still leave them four wins short of the world record 17 wins shared by Nick Mallett’s Springboks of the late 1990s and the All Blacks of the late 1960s.

Saturday’s Test may pit the world No.1 ranked side against the No.8 but coach Steve Hansen is adamant an arm wrestle is in prospect for his world champion side in windy conditions forecast to reach gale force intensity.

“We know we’re going to get a physical encounter from Argentina because that’s how they love to play,” Hansen said.

“They love to scrum, they love to drive, they love their mauls and I think they’re one of the best defensive sides in world rugby.”

“There’s talk about them being more expansive but when the pressure comes on we all revert to type.”

Hansen’s engine room has a raw look to it, with Sam Romano and Brodie Retallick the least-experienced All Blacks locking pair for a decade.

And five-eighth Dan Carter’s injury withdrawal on Thursday leaves Aaron Smith and Aaron Cruden as the youngest halves combination since Piri Weepu and Carter combined against Australia at Sydney in 2005.

The words of experienced Pumas lock Manuel Carizza will echo for Hansen’s men, who will want a fast, expansive game to exploit their skill advantage out wide.

Carizza said Argentina would tweak the defensive technique that had been successful during the 16-16 draw against the Springboks two weeks ago.

“We slowed their ball and got some turnovers against South Africa,” Carizza said.

“But it will be different against the All Blacks. They’ve got great rucking so maybe we shouldn’t put so many guys in defence in the rucks and stay outside to be ready to tackle.”

The teams have met 14 times in Tests, with New Zealand notching 13 wins and a draw.