The All Blacks have their first Rugby World Cup clash under their belts – but it wasn't the one-sided affair that many were expecting.

However, it's still early days in the tournament and the team is sure to grow from their 26-16 win over Argentina.

Photo: File.

Throughout the tournament, SunLive will rate each player out of 10 for every All Blacks fixture at the tournament in England and Wales.

Overall the team performed as well as Argentina would let them. With the South Americans full of passion, it was always going to come down to the last 10-to-15 minutes after a solid start by both sides.

It looks like the All Blacks' game plan is to build pressure and shift the ball around to wear down their opponents, while looking to break the advantage line around the ruck to suck in their defence, leaving space out wide for the backs to work their magic.

While it wasn't a dominating performance, there was still enough on display to let the other teams know that New Zealand are the team to beat.

All Blacks team rating versus Argentina: 6/10

Individual ratings (out of 10):

Ben Smith: 5.5

Was more noticeable when he shifted to the wing, but is still the best fullback in New Zealand. Sorry Israel, but that's just the way it is right now.

Nehe Milner-Skudder: 5

He may be a favourite with the girls in our news room – and granted he's a good player – but we can't afford him to get a case of the dropsies with the line beckoning.

Conrad Smith: 7

Still the best centre in the world for me. I'm sure his middle name is Reliable. Mind you, I marked him down for getting a professional foul.

Ma'a Nonu: 7

A quiet game by his standards, but was working twice as hard on defence when his centre partner was in the bin.

Julian Savea: 5

Probably not his best game in the black jersey. Mind you, the ball never really went his way. Will need to lift things if he wants to keep his place – especially with a Fijian bloke waiting in the wings.

Dan Carter: 5

A steady start for New Zealand's number one playmaker. He'll only get better as the tournament goes on. Just make sure you stretch that groin before you go to kicking practice Dan, okay?

Aaron Smith: 8.5

Top game from the half-back with the best clearance pass in world rugby. Rewarded for his effort with a try which turned the match for the All Blacks.

Kieran Read: 7.5

Would have gotten an 8 if not for the terrible mis-read in the Pumas' try. Apart from that, worked hard on defence and attack.

Richie McCaw: 7

He's still the master, despite the schoolboy trip which saw him get 10 minutes in the bin. He was the hardest working forward on the field. His transgression caused a stir on social media, but please people, the man has played more tests than any other player in the world. Give him a break.

Jerome Kaino: 6

Solid game, but when doesn't he have a solid game? I can't wait to see him repeat the raw power he displayed at the last World Cup. Come on Jerome, let the beast out to play.

Sam Whitelock: 6

Like a fine wine, he just gets better with age.

Brodie Retallick: 6

For a big man he does some pretty amazing things with the ball in hand. But I'm still finding it hard to forgive him for resigning with Hawke's Bay.

Owen Franks: 5

Steve Hansen sees something in him. I don't know what. Charlie Faumuina is my preferred option, but then I'm not the All Blacks coach.

Dane Coles: 6

Nothing flashy – pretty accurate throwing in at lineout time and busy in the ruck and maul.

Tony Woodcock: 6

Mr Consistency when it comes to scrum time – and he needed to be against an Argentine side who pride themselves as top notch scrummages.

Reserves:

Keven Mealamu: 5

Didn't really get a chance. Just had to knuckle down and work in the tight.

Wyatt Crockett: 5

A good man to turn to when it's time to replace Woodcock. Managed to get a couple of hit ups and showed no fear.

Charlie Faumuina: 7

Came on when needed and added impetus to a team who were getting battered by the fired up opposition.

Victor Vito: 5

Nothing flash, but needs to show reason for putting him in front of Liam Messam.

Sam Cane: 5

Bombed a certain try, but made up for it with another try a little while later.

TJ Perenara: 5

Hard to shine when the guy you replaced stole the show.

Beauden Barrett: 6

Probably one of the best impact players the All Blacks has, but this wasn't his best game.

Sonny Bill Williams: 8.5

Justified his selection with his time on the field, but will need to show that type of form against the bigger teams.