Read praises All Blacks bench

Hamilton - New Zealand captain Kieran Read lauded his bench as they sparked a second-half onslaught against Argentina at Waikato Stadium on Saturday.

Leading by just five points at the break, the All Blacks were under the cosh for the first 50 minutes as the Pumas came out in great form.

But New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen then sent on the likes of TJ Perenara and Charlie Faumuina, who had an impact in the 57-22 win.

"It was a real Test match, we had to work hard for it tonight," said Read when speaking to Sky Sport after the Rugby Championship meeting.

"We came out with intent and they matched it which is exactly what you want in these games. They're a quality side and it was a good game."

He added: "Our bench was outstanding for us tonight. We've got a squad of 32 who can do a job when they come on. The 23 was needed tonight and they did a great job."

On their difficult first half against a rampant and determined Pumas outfit, Read said he felt his charges were too weak around the fringes.

"I think we let them get a flow around the ruck. They got in behind us and we let the game drift a little bit in that area," he continued.

"But we're proud of the way we stuck at it. We haven't been in that situation too much as a group so we'll take a lot of lessons out of that."