The All Blacks have made three changes to their starting team to face Argentina as Joe Moody prepares for his 50th Test.

New Zealand will face the Pumas in Newcastle on Saturday in a clash between the top two in the Tri Nations table.

Moody, 32, has been named to make his 50th Test appearance, with the All Blacks opting for three changes to the side that was stunned by Argentina earlier this month.

Scott Barrett has replaced Patrick Tuipulotu, while Nepo Laulala and Akira Ioane have come in for Tyrel Lomax and Shannon Frizell respectively.

"We've had a great week building into what will be a vital Test for us," All Blacks head coach Ian Foster said.

"It's exciting in the sense that we have the opportunity to redeem ourselves after our last game, and we also have the opportunity to win the Investec Tri Nations.

"There's a real determination in the team to perform well, not only for ourselves, but also our families and friends at home and our country."

New Zealand, Argentina and Australia are all locked on six points in the Tri Nations table, with this outing being the All Blacks' last.

The Pumas' win over the All Blacks last time out was their first over New Zealand in Test rugby.

Argentina are undefeated in their past three Tests and last enjoyed a longer unbeaten run from September to October in 2015.

They have made 10 changes to the starting team that drew with the Wallabies last week, including handing a Test debut to Lucas Paulos.

New Zealand: Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jack Goodhue, Caleb Clarke, Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith; Joe Moody, Dane Coles, Nepo Laulala, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Akira Ioane, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea.
Replacements: Codie Taylor, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Tyrel Lomax, Patrick Tuipulotu, Hoskins Sotutu, TJ Perenara, Rieko Ioane, Will Jordan.

Argentina: Emiliano Boffelli, Ramiro Moyano, Juan Cruz Mallia, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Santiago Cordero, Nicolas Sanchez, Felipe Ezcurra; Mayco Vivas, Julian Montoya, Santiago Medrano, Guido Petti, Lucas Paulos, Pablo Matera, Marcos Kremer, Facundo Isa.
Replacements: Santiago Socino, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Lucio Sordoni, Matias Alemanno, Santiago Grondona, Gonzalo Bertranou, Santiago Carreras, Lucas Mensa.