All Blacks fullback Damian McKenzie has commended the way New Zealand responded to Scotland's attack-minded game plan.
The tourists secured a 22-17 win in Edinburgh on Sunday, but found themselves deadlocked with the hosts 3-3 at the break, having been dominated in the opening 30 minutes.
McKenzie was pleased with their ability to find another gear after halftime, and their ability to close out the Test-match victory.
"Scotland really came out the gates and played some really quick footy, and we did expect that. Like the boys have mentioned, especially around their backs, they like to really run with ball in hand.
"For us we expected that, and it was awesome the way the boys adapted and adjusted from the first half, and then coming out in the second half and scoring some tries, which gave us a bit of momentum.
"It was a tough game and awesome to get a win here anyway."
First-five Beauden Barrett echoed McKenzie's comments, and believed the kick-first approach adopted by northern teams previously may be a thing of the past.
"They're really backing themselves to use the ball. We saw that in the Lions series with some really attacking backs.
"We're used, in the past, to northern hemisphere teams kicking the ball a lot and being forward-dominant.
"Now we're seeing some good athletes using the ball."
Barrett was one of three All Blacks players to cross the white wash, scoring the game-clinching try after McKenzie had touched down thanks to another Sonny Bill Williams grubber kick, which had the 22-year-old full of superlatives for the second-five.
"He's two from two now, so he's getting pretty confident with taking it to the line and putting it in last-minute as well, which is the great thing.
"It's holding defenders late and we just keep telling him to keep doing it, and obviously he's a massive threat with ball in hand.
"Luckily enough I was on the end of it and another meat pie."
Newshub.
