All Blacks: Jordie Barrett still has a 'special' NZ future - Steve Hansen

Jordie Barrett will have to wait for his chance at redemption after he was dropped from the All Blacks' 23-man squad to face Argentina in Buenos Aires on Sunday (NZ time).

The fullback had a tough night at the office during the upset 36-34 loss to South Africa in Wellington. A crucial error helped the Springboks on their way to a famous victory.

Leading 12-7 midway through the first half, the seven-test international took a quick lineout. His pass bounced perfectly for Willie le Roux, who scored for South Africa. That try put the visitors into the lead, which they never surrendered.

Determined to bounce back from that two-point loss to South Africa, coach Steve Hansen picked what the selectors think is their strongest side available to face Argentina.

Ben Smith replaces Barrett in the fullback jersey, and Waisake Naholo comes onto the right wing, with Rieko Ioane retaining his spot on the left.

Prop Owen Franks, centre Jack Goodhue, and loose forward Kieran Read are all being rested for the match at Estadio Jose Amalfitani. Damian McKenzie has returned to New Zealand due to a family bereavement.

All four players are likely to return to the squad to face South Africa in Pretoria next week.

All Blacks: Jordie Barrett still has a 'special' NZ future - Steve Hansen

Hansen said he still sees a "special" future for Barrett, and the decision not to pick him was down to the fact that he was a project because they're taking their time with him.

"He's 20 or 21, so he's not a very old rugby player, but he's a very talented one," Hansen said of Barrett.

"Sometimes you've just got to give them a bit of a go, and it comes off. You've still got to get them to learn, and sometimes you give them a go, and it doesn't come off.

"That's when you put your arm around him and make sure he doesn't lose his confidence from the whole thing.

"Jordie is a project; he's got the potential to be very, very special. His game understanding for his age is understandably not that good at times.

"He can make the odd mistake, but do some really great things too. It's a bit like when we first got Damian. He was all over the place - I described him quite often as a fly in a bottle.

"He's now settled down and has become very fluid in the game. He understands when to take risks versus the rewards that come with them.

"Jordie is still learning that. You don't want to knock the good stuff out of him, you just want him to learn when to push the button."

If the All Blacks claim a bonus-point win over Argentina, they'll secure the 2018 Rugby Championship title.

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All Blacks: Jordie Barrett still has a 'special' NZ future - Steve Hansen