Ryan Crotty is being tipped to return for the All Blacks' clash with South Africa this weekend after missing the win over Argentina.

The centre was man of the match in New Zealand's opening round win against Australia in Sydney and rock solid and accurate the following week in Dunedin.

Crotty was forced to miss Saturday's clash against Argentina in New Plymouth because of a head knock he suffered the week before but the All Blacks' struggles in the 39-22 win over the Pumas have further enhanced his reputation.

Argentina's ability to swarm Beauden Barrett in midfield left the All Blacks looking rudderless at times.

"We saw how the Argentinians did it," said lock Brodie Retallick.

"And Beaudy caught the brunt of it. But it is not really Beaudy's fault. It is what the boys are doing around him and we need to be better at communicating where the space is and give Beaudy the options."

Crotty looks likely to return at number 13 after Anton Lienert-Brown, who partnered Barrett in New Plymouth, showed he is prone to pushing passes that aren't on.

"If the defender is coming hard then there is going to be space around him either side," said Crotty.

"Not all defenders react the same way. Maybe 10 can take a bit more depth and give himself more time especially if the ball is wet.

"That's why we train the little skills so much and why they are so important because they are the ones you have to execute when you are under the pressure of test match football.

"As a centre, the best way I can help out is to let them know that the guys are coming hard and give them action words so to speak on what to do. It is about seeing where the opportunities are and then be able to communicate so you can take advantage."