New Zealand will guarantee a third straight Rugby Championship title if they post a bonus-point victory over Argentina at Estadio Unico Ciudad de La Plata.

The All Blacks' build-up to the penultimate round of the competition has been overshadowed by the two-game suspension of Aaron Cruden for missing his flight to Argentina after a night out.

Cruden has established himself as the starting fly-half in the injury-enforced absence of Dan Carter, but his indiscretion gives Beauden Barrett the chance to press his claim.

The selection of Barrett is one of five changes to the side that defeated South Africa 14-10 with centre Malakai Fekitoa, hooker Keven Mealamu, lock Sam Whitelock and back-row Jerome Kaino also starting. Captain Richie McCaw will win his 133rd cap for the All Blacks, equalling the record set by Colin Meads.

Argentina have made three changes following their 32-25 loss to Australia with scrum-half Tomas Cubelli, lock Tomas Lavanini and back-row Juan Manuel Leguizamon starting. Unless Argentina spring a surprise victory, South Africa and Australia will be playing for the runners-up position a few hours later today in Cape Town.

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer starts scrum-half Francois Hougaard and flanker Teboho Mohoje while Australia show three changes, with wing Joe Tomane and hooker Saia Fainga'a both starting. Adam Ashley-Cooper returns to the back division after recovering from injury. South Africa have won three of their last four Tests against Australia.