A Bledisloe Cup retaining 36-0 victory over the Wallabies could be the exact boost the All Blacks needed heading into this year's Rugby World Cup in Japan, according to captain Kieran Read.
Coming into the clash at Eden Park, the All Blacks' 2019 record was a shade of their usual selves, with only one win - coming in unconvincing fashion against Argentina in Buenos Aires, as well as a 16-all draw against the Springboks before last week's 47-26 defeat in Perth.
Speaking to media after the win though, captain Read spoke of the improved performance his side responded with.
"I think it's a great confidence boost for us," Read began.
"But it's probably the week that's probably the biggest lesson for us. Knowing how to prepare ourselves to get into a mental state and a physical state to put [in] a performance like that.
"That's the key that us as leaders and guys in this team will have to make sure we bottle, and use later in the year."
The All Blacks have one final pre-World Cup encounter, taking on Tonga in Hamilton on September 7, before beginning their defence of the Webb Ellis Cup against South Africa in Yokohama on September 21.
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