All Blacks legend Keven Mealamu believes Steve Hansen's decision to split his squad for their next two Rugby Championship Tests is the right move.
Locks Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick along with Liam Squire, Sam Cane, Beauden Barrett and Ryan Crotty will all head straight to South Africa, and will not feature in the match against Argentina in Buenos Airies.
The 28-man squad that will leave for South America on Friday will feature uncapped utility back David Havilli, in addition to recalled players Matt Todd, Jerome Kaino, lock Patrick Tuipulotu and prop Jeff Toomaga-Allen.
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Mealamu, a two-time World Cup winner, understands the thinking behind the move.
"It has been a hectic season for the boys especially with the Lions tour," Mealamu told Newshub.
"There will be some sore bodies and this will be a good opportunity for some of the guys who have not had a run yet to get a chance in black jersey.
"Those guys in the engine room have been working hard and have had their work cut out of them in the last couple of months.
"It’s a good chance for those guys to get their bodies right for the rest of the year.
"As an All Black, you always want to be a part of the team but it has been a big year for them so hopefully they finish well."
The 132-Test All Blacks was impressed with New Zealand's efforts in their record-breaking 57-0 win over the Springboks on the weekend.
After a physical opening 20 minutes, the All Blacks ran riot, running in eight tries and are now in a prime position to re-claim the Rugby Championship trophy.
"They played really well on the weekend and put together a really good performance.
"The attack has been good but I think the defensive side really stood up and they scored some good tries off turnover.
"They (the Springboks) had been playing well over the last few games and when you are the All Blacks you always want to step up against an old foe like the Springboks."
Newshub.
