Coach Scott Robertson's backing Cortez Ratima to rise to the occasion as the All Blacks negotiate the opening rounds of the Rugby Championship without two of their front-line halfbacks

The 24 year old's the only number nine who played in the French series who's travelled to Argentina for two tests against the Pumas.

Finlay Christie and Kyle Preston have come in as cover for Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham.

Robertson says Ratima has grown in his 14 tests to date.



The All Blacks side for Sunday morning's test at Cordoba will be named on Friday.

It won't feature Wallace Sititi or Tamaiti Williams - both given another week as they come back from respective injuries.

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY COVERAGE WITH FORKLIFT SOLUTIONS.  LIFTING YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS TO A HIGHER LEVEL