The Blackcaps have plenty to improve on if they want to level the three-match Test series against South Africa, according to batting coach Craig McMillan.
New Zealand were demolished, losing the second Test by eight wickets inside three days at the Basin reserve in Wellington.
"Yesterday was a terrible day and to lose within three days is unacceptable so the group's hurting, and [it's] disappointing but something we have to acknowledge," said McMillan.
"It's important to remember, while yesterday wasn't good, it's only just over a week ago that we performed pretty well in that first Test.
"We need to get back to that standard and bounce back quickly for Hamilton."
The Blackcaps struggled against South Africa's spin bowlers on a wicket that was not turning much, and McMillan admits the entire team should have been better prepared for the match.
"We didn't assess over the three days the way the ball wasn't turning," he said.
"We had a couple of stumpings expecting the ball to turn, and it didn't, so we have to be a bit smarter about that."
Spin will be a factor in the third Test in Hamilton and it's expected Mitchell Santner or Ish Sodhi will be in the team to go along with Jeetan Patel.
Both Trent Boult and Ross Taylor will be joining the Blackcaps in Hamilton, and are a chance at returning from injury.
McMillian told reporters Taylor wants to play in front of his home crowd, but he will only play if he is fully fit.
"He needs to be fit, first and foremost, we're not going to play him if he's not fit," he said.
"I haven't spoken to Ross for a couple of days but I'm sure he is keen to play in his hometown, and he's done well there in recent times."
The Blackcaps will assemble in Hamilton on Wednesday with the third and final Test starting on Saturday.
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