Nonu will spend the next few months recovering from his injury © Getty Images

Enlarge

While the All Blacks ran out 14-10 winners against South Africa in Wellington to take a stranglehold of the Rugby Championship, a season ending forearm injury to Ma'a Nonu really soured the occasion.

The All Blacks' form has been nothing short of brilliant in this competition and while they would relish the presence of Nonu, many are under the impression that whatever line-up Steve Hanson fields are more than capable of getting the job done.

Despite losing the 32-year old, New Zealand is due to welcome back Ryan Crotty into the side who is likely to slot right into Nonu's second five-eighth position. In addition to Crotty's return, Jerome Kaino (elbow), Liam Messam (thigh) and Sam Whitelock (ribs) are all set to be considered for the upcoming match against Argentina.

It's also possible that cross-code star Sonny Bill Williams could be included in the All Blacks' side after he was granted special dispensation. This scenario would require reigning NRL premiers the Sydney Roosters to lose against the North Queensland Cowboys in their semi-final.

The list of players who could enter the All Blacks side is endless, and while Hansen admits injuries are a part of any sporting club, he is more than confident in the depth of his squad.

"It seems to be working reasonably seamlessly. People come in, people go out. I think that's a reflection on the culture the leaders and the group are driving," Hansen said. "It tells us we've got a bit of depth".

"Everyone's working hard for each other. It's all about the team and the individual is second. It's working well for us at the moment."

The All Blacks will face Argentina in Buenos Aires in two weeks time for what will be their fifth match of the Rugby Championship.