Blacks backing Slade to come up trumps
Smith said: “Plans remain the same – expectations are exactly the same, belief of the squad is exactly the same. We don’t see anything’s changed. If you walk in the company of people who believe in you, you can achieve anything.
“He (Slade) has got a good skill set. He’s a brave kid physically, he’s strong in his defensive channel. So not too different to Daniel really. He’s got all the tools to make a go of it and he’s got the belief and encouragement from the squad.”
New Zealand eased to four wins from four matches in Pool A and face Argentina in Auckland on Sunday, with a semi-final place at stake.
Smith added: “They’re going to be a physical test, they’re going to be a tactical test, because they’re very smart.
“They’re tough physically. They take a lot of pride from their pack. They’ve got a very good defensive system.
“They don’t over-commit there, they’ve always got players on their feet available.”
While Carter and captain Richie McCaw, who is set to return from a foot injury against the Pumas, missed the win over Canada, number eight Kieran Read returned.
Read, who was pleased to come through the match without any adverse reaction to his ankle problem, admitted the squad are suffering without Carter.
But he insisted the 30-man squad must deliver as a unit for World Cup success.
Read said: “We’re hurt, man.
“He’s a massive part of this group so within the squad we definitely are hurting for him. It’s really tough but what we’ve got to do is move on from that.
“It’s a tough challenge and the strength of our squad is what’s going to win us this World Cup.
“Colin is a pretty cool customer, he’s got a level head on his shoulders.
“We’re a team of 15 of 30 guys so we expect that whoever is going to play will do the job and do it really well.”
Read is wary of Argentina, but believes the All Blacks can raise their game further.
He added: “The Pumas are a dangerous side. Their strength is in their forwards, and I think there’s no hiding behind that.
“They’re really going to attack us in that area and they’ll really look to try and work territory and kick really well and try to keep the scoreboard just ticking over against us.”
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