Even in the wake of a first test defeat to Argentina on home soil, the All Blacks still believe they can turn their fortunes around.
In a clash that saw the All Blacks dominate nearly every measured statistic, Ian Foster's side threw away a 15-12 halftime lead, as ill-discipline gave the Pumas a route back into the match at OrangeTheory Stadium.
Argentina scored just one try, through loose forward Juan Martin Gonzalez, but the boot of Emiliano Boffelli - who kicked six penalties and a conversion - proved to be the difference between the Pumas and the All Blacks.
The loss is the All Blacks' fourth of the year, with just two wins, as part of a run of six defeats from their last eight tests dating back to the 2021 northern tour.
For veteran Sam Whitelock though, the Christchurch capitulation doesn't reflect the All Blacks' entire display.
And with the knowledge of what went wrong for the All Blacks against the Pumas, Whitelock is confident that the side can fix their errors before the repeat fixture, played in Hamilton next weekend.
"There was a little bit of frustration out there probably, is the feeling in the sheds" Whitelock said post-match. "But at the same time, there is still a lot of belief.
"We just had our roundup as a team. Looking around the circle, there are some disappointed guys.
"But at the same time, the words that were spoken were actually really good.
"[We] talked around how in parts of the game, we got what we wanted. The frustrating thing is we allowed them back into the game.
"Through our ill-discipline, through giving away penalties, them accumulating points, that was the winning and losing of the game.
"They were smart, they didn't get caught trying to go up in sevens, they took opportunities when we gave them. And having a great kicker like they had, they punished us every time."
Having a week to reverse their fortunes isn't new to the All Blacks in 2022. Earlier this month, Foster's side were able to change a 26-10 defeat to South Africa at Mbombela to a 35-23 win at Ellis Park a week later.
And with 136 tests worth of experience under his belt, Whitelock is confident the All Blacks have what it takes to avoid another defeat - a fifth of the year - in a week's time.
"We've got seven days," he added. "The clock is ticking before we play them again in Hamilton.
"For us, it's about making sure we build on the positives. Yes, we need to work on the weaknesses - the discipline was definitely one thing, without looking at the game, we know straight away.
"We've got to make sure we don't go into our shells. We've got to keep doing the things we're good at.
"That's the beauty of test match rugby."
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