All Blacks in search of rhythm

The All Blacks won the first Test in the three-Test series 39-21 in Auckland, but they did not have it all their own way for a large period of the game.

Cane said told allblacks.com on Sunday the Test had been a reminder of the differences between Super Rugby and international play, especially in the first half. 

"The small reaction times and the consequences if things are off just a fraction [were crucial], but it was good to get back into it," he said.

"Those seconds in rugby at Test match level are critical.

"We were probably a little slow at times to transition from attack to defence and a couple of kicks where the bounce could have gone anywhere they got on the end of those so they put us under a wee bit of pressure there.

"From our point of view I thought their tackler was just there and we'd have to put an extra body in to get rid of him where we could be using that cleaner to remove another threat but it's always different every week so it's not a criticism, more an assessment than anything.

"It's still an area we'll get better at."

Despite starting a new era with a number of experienced players gone, Cane said that there was still a strong leadership group within the team.

"We were put under a bit of pressure particularly at the back end of that first half and everyone was really calm. We made sure everyone was connected and messages were getting across and the same at half-time.

"I thought we went out after half-time with a wee bit more spring in our step and I think that showed," Cane added.

Source: @AllBlacks