The tactic to play Richie Mo'unga and Beauden Barrett in a dual playmaker role for the first time for the All Blacks has had its first test - and it went fairly well in their 16-16 draw against South Africa in Wellington.
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Mo'unga played 80 minutes at first-five and while he struggled early, he came into his own as the match went on.
Barrett played the whole match at fullback and was one of the best Kiwis on the field throughout the match, which included his burst down the right-wing to set up the All Blacks' only try.
Mo'unga thought the partnership worked well but it still needs time.
"It was good," he said.
"I think what we came to find is that it's not something that's going to happen overnight."
"In the first half we were put under pressure but in the second half there were glimpses of what we are trying to create and opportunities we were trying to get."
Assistant coach Ian Foster is happy enough with what he saw between the two playmakers.
"It's a work in progress," Foster said.
"I think there were nice signs. I think the first 40 minutes it looked a bit like Argentina again, it looked like players weren't getting into the shape we wanted, but after a while there were some good patches."
But it's the experience that the fullback brings to the table which Mo'unga is soaking in.
"I looked to him [Barrett] a lot for things to work on and focus on," Mo'unga said.
"For me that's just priceless, and it's someone I can lean on and bounce things off."
All Blacks fans can expect to see more of this combination as the side prepares for the World Cup in September.
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