All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has commended his side's clinical first-half performance in their 43-21 win against the Wallabies despite a "frustrating" second 40 minutes in Sydney.
The All Blacks' impressive first-half display included a flurry of tries as they scored four in 14 minutes to give themselves a healthy advantage in the second Bledisloe Cup Test match.
Rennie put the All Blacks' early dominance down to quality decision-making and pass selection from his players.
"Yeah, it was excellent. A lot of stuff that we did well last week, we were able to put 40 minutes of that together," said Rennie.
"I thought we were really clinical in the first 43 minutes."
The All Blacks try-scoring frenzy in the first half came despite some people calling this Test a 'dead rubber' as the Bledisloe Cup was already secured after last week's 50-19 win at Eden Park.
Despite going up 43-7 in the 43rd minute through a Josh Moorby try, the All Blacks failed to score any more points in the second half, with the Wallabies winning the second 40 minutes 14-7.
"We just weren’t as accurate and had two or three opportunities, and we turned over the ball - the Wallabies are lethal from turnover ball and counter. I think it was 14 line breaks each today, and a big chunk of theirs came in the second half.
"I'm disappointed we weren't as clinical, and if we got a few more early, we could've really put the foot on the throat.
All Blacks' injury ward
Rieko Ioane came onto the field in just the second minute after Quinn Tupaea suffered a nasty head knock and failed his head injury assessment (HIA).
Jordie Barrett missed the second Test due to a tight calf muscle, which gave an opportunity to Highlanders outside-back Timoci Tavatavanawai to start at second-five.
"I'm proud of the character and courage; we trained all week with two midfielders who basically didn't play today, so we had Rieko and Big Jim teaming up today, and I thought they did a really good job."
"Rieko was very good; he had to do a lot of defending today, and again he barely trained at centre. He was our main cover, but really pleased with him."
Shannon Frizell went down injured off the ball, and Rennie said they weren't sure of the severity of his injury due to it happening while he was just running.
The All Blacks were forced to finish the match with 14 men due to Samisoni Taukei’aho going off injured with a tight calf after the All Blacks had used all their substitutes.
Rennie also confirmed there were no major injury concerns around Will Jordan after he was substituted at half-time, as it was a precautionary change due to a tight calf and not wanting to take any risks.
Jordan's substitution afforded Chay Fihaki his debut Test cap for the All Blacks, with the Crusaders winger on the field for a full half of Test match rugby.
Dave Rennie's style of play
Rennie was also asked at the All Blacks' post-match press conference about how his team's style of play will benefit them at next year's Rugby World Cup.
"There's no point playing this way and then going to a World Cup trying to play risk-free footy. We're well aware you can put yourself under pressure with the way that we're trying to play, but we'll also back ourselves that we'll profit more than we'll suffer in those situations."
"I don't think you want all the teams in the world playing the same game.
"If you look at the Wallabies, they’re pretty similar to us; they want to play, and it's a point of difference and a part of the DNA of both sides. If you just want to get in arm wrestles with the big sides in the world, it will be a struggle."
The All Blacks will head to Europe to finish their season with Nations Championship Test matches against Scotland, Wales, and England.
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