All Blacks hooker Dane Coles has spoken of the need for the senior players to step up against Ireland this weekend after they let the team down in their loss in Chicago.
Speaking from Dublin, Coles stressed the importance of the team's senior players to take the lead and bring the more inexperienced members up to their level.
"During the week there's been a lot of responsibility on the leaders to really step up," he said.
"The leaders last time probably let the side down and we need to make sure we bring the guys up and make sure they follow us."
And in a very emotive week, the 29-year-old said that it was important they kept a lid on emotions and their edge heading into the match.
"There's been plenty of edge this week but we can't bring the edge during the week and not turn up on Saturday.
"So we need to keep building until Saturday and keep the emotion and the edge in check and make sure we don't play the game too early."
Coles also said that whilst he didn't agree wholeheartedly with coach Steve Hansen in saying the All Blacks were underdogs, they were definitely under pressure after being bullied by Ireland last week.
"They played bloody well last time so they'll be looking to do the same and we didn't perform.
"I suppose if you think of it like that we might be underdogs."
In the 12 months since the All Blacks claimed their second consecutive Rugby World Cup, much has been made about the chasm of experience left by the retirement of the likes of Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock and Richie McCaw.
And newcomer Liam Squire spoke about the importance of the inclusion of Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock in the matchday 23.
"Having Brodie and Sam back has brought the extra bit of leadership in the forward back.
"They've been driving it quite hard this week and it has created that bit of edge but that's good, it keeps you on your toes and keeps your mind on focus."
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