Dan Carter returns to the fray but there are questions over the fitness of fellow-All Blacks great Richie McCaw for the Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in La Plata on Sunday (NZT).

First five-eighth Carter has overcome a calf injury which saw him miss the home defeats of Argentina and South Africa and he replaces Aaron Cruden from the side who beat the Springboks in Dunedin.

The only other change to the starting 15 sees Aaron Smith return in place of Piri Weepu, who joins Cruden on the bench.

Captain McCaw has been named to start on the openside flank but coach Steve Hansen revealed the veteran wasn't 100 per cent fit because of a leg injury suffered against the Springboks.

A haematoma has prevented McCaw from training since the team arrived in Buenos Aires last week.

His status has led to specialist openside flanker Sam Cane being promoted to the reserve bench in place of Victor Vito, with Hansen prepared to give the Bay of Plenty 20-year-old his third cap after two appearances against Ireland in June.

"We want to make sure we've got cover there and if the opportunity arises ... Rich has had a lot of game time (this season). It also gives Sam an opportunity to grow," Hansen told reporters.

Carter and prop Tony Woodcock will play their 90th Tests for the All Blacks, who could claim the tournament title with a win.

New Zealand have never lost to Argentina but the two sides drew 21-all in 1985 in Buenos Aires and subsequent Tests in South America have proved very challenging.

"We have huge respect for the Pumas, who have shown in the tournament just how good they are," Hansen said.

"We are expecting even more from them this weekend as they are playing at home in front of their passionate fans."

New Zealand: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Dan Carter, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Charlie Faumuina, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith.