All Blacks boosted by the return of Retallick

The All Blacks will welcome back lock Brodie Retallick into the squad ahead of the second test against Argentina in Hamilton this weekend.

The Chiefs second rower has been sidelined since the third test against Ireland in Wellington after suffering a broken cheekbone following a collision with prop Andrew Porter.

The 31-year-old veteran was expected to spend up to eight weeks on the sidelines but will return to the squad this week.

Retallick started all three tests against Ireland and Crusaders lock Scott Barrett has started in the No 5 jersey alongside Sam Whitelock in his absence.

The return of the 95-test All Black opens the door for Barrett to be used at blindside flanker again as the All Blacks look to bounce back after suffering a 25-18 defeat in Christchurch.

The return of Highlanders flanker Shannon Frizell in the No 6 jersey looked to have found a winning formula at Ellis Park, but after falling to the strong Pumas pack more changes might be made.

Head coach Ian Foster retained all but one of his 23 from the victory against the Springboks in Johannesburg, with Beauden Barrett ruled out through injury and Stephen Perofeta making his debut from the bench.

The return of Retallick gives Foster the option of using his most experienced locking pair in what will be a must win fixture in Hamilton if they are to keep their Rugby Championship hopes alive.

The All Blacks sit in third place with one win and two losses, one competition point ahead of last placed South Africa.

After their win in Christchurch, Los Pumas sit on top of the table with nine competition points after two wins and one loss.

Australia sit in second place with the same record but an inferior points differential.