Playmaker Damian McKenzie has received the race to begin within the No. 10 jersey towards Los Pumas, and it’s a chance the 40-Check All Black described as an “thrilling problem.”

McKenzie was seen coaching at flyhalf throughout an on-field session at Marista Rugby Membership within the south of Mendoza on Tuesday, whereas Beauden Barrett was operating round at fullback.

The gifted duo will begin in these roles this weekend, with the All Blacks confirming their first workforce of 2023 within the early hours of Friday morning in New Zealand.

McKenzie will link up with legendary halfback Aaron Smith in the halves, while the Crusaders pivot will look to provide some impact off the bench late in the contest.

With three world-class options to choose from at first five, McKenzie has been given the first opportunity to start in the famous No. 10 jersey.

Only time will tell as to whether or not Barrett and Mo’unga get their chance during The Rugby Championship – although it seems quite likely, especially for Mo’unga.

Speaking during a press conference at the team hotel on Friday evening, McKenzie admitted that he “didn’t expect” to beat his two teammates to the starting role for this Test.

“It’s exciting,” McKenzie said. “Obviously stoked and probably didn’t expect it at first. Obviously, we’ve got Rich (Mo’unga) and Baz (Beauden Barrett) who had a great year.

Team to take on Argentina in Mendoza 🫡 pic.twitter.com/bihFPDrDIm

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 6, 2023

“Had a bit of game time this year with the Chiefs so to get that opportunity is great.

“Looking forward to, it’s exciting being over here in Argentina too and it’s going to be an exciting challenge getting in that 10 jersey.”

McKenzie was nothing short of sensational with the Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific this season, and so nearly helped guide the Hamilton-based franchise to glory.

While the fairytale finish to the season wasn’t meant to be for the Chiefs, it was still “a good year” for their star pivot.

“Being given that opportunity, we’ve still got Richie (and) Baz playing good rugby so I wouldn’t say the jersey is mind whatsoever but it is an opportunity,” he added.

“For me it’s just about playing my game. Obviously, we’ve got a game plan but you just want to be yourself, be instinctive, and play the rugby that I tried to play all year.

“That’ll be what I try to do on Saturday, just do my job, and like I said it’s an opportunity so I’ll try to make the most of that.”

McKenzie also spoke quite openly about the lessons he’s learned during his 40-Test career in black as he reflected on how he’s “probably matured.”

With the No. 10 on his back, and with the All Blacks looking to the 28-year-old to steer them around the park, McKenzie seemed both humble and confident ahead of Saturday’s Test.

“Probably since my first crack a few years back now, my game has probably matured a little more than what it has been in the past.

“Probably used to run myself into trouble a bit and put the team under a bit of pressure.

“I’ve learned that kicking is a big part of being a playmaker and having that experience this year with the Chiefs as well has been great.

“(My) Game has probably matured a lot more than what it has been in the past.”

Not too long ago, the All Blacks appeared somewhat unbeatable against Los Pumas.

The men in black survived some scares – that’s for sure – but made winning a habit over a long period. But eventually, all good things must come to an end.

As All Blacks fans will remember, they were shocked when Los Pumas beat New Zealand in Sydney a few years ago.

Then, just last year, the Pumas upset the All Blacks again – but this time on New Zealand soil.

It’s a completely different ball game compared to what it used to be. Los Pumas are the real deal, and the All Blacks are expecting a tough contest.

“They’re a quality team,” Foster said. “They’ve been developing their game and they’ve got a great desire to attack.

“If you don’t really commit in terms of your defensive line then you struggle with them.

“We know that they’re really willing around the breakdown and that’s kind of where the battle often is against Argentina.

“We’re aware of that and respectful of that because we’ve learned the lessons.”

The All Blacks versus Los Pumas clash in Mendoza is set to get underway at 7.10 am NZST on Sunday morning.