Steve Hansen remains committed to modifying how the All Blacks play, even though it cost them in a humbling loss to Ireland.
New Zealand coach Hansen says his players are adjusting to fundamental changes to their game plan, instigated with next year's World Cup in mind.
The changes backfired in Dublin on Saturday, when the home side outplayed the world champions in nearly every aspect of their momentous 16-9 win.
While Ireland remain ranked second in the world behind New Zealand, Hansen has labelled Joe Schmidt's side the team to beat in Japan next year.
But he warns his team will be better, once they've come to grips with a revamp he believes is necessary to stay ahead of the chasing pack.
"We are still stuck between the old way and the new way, and we haven't got it right yet," Hansen told reporters.
"Did we think we were going to have it right by now? Probably not.
"We have got a bit of work to do over the summer. We are not going to fix it in a week, but we will fix it and when we get it right, we will see some big improvements."
Among the biggest changes is an apparent commitment to field the diminutive, but daring Damian McKenzie at fullback, providing New Zealand with a second playmaking option.
McKenzie often stationed himself at first receiver against Ireland and in the patchy one-point win over England at Twickenham a week earlier, with mixed results.
That approach won't change, with Hansen's former plan of developing McKenzie as a specialist five-eighth seemingly consigned to the dustbin.
"It's moments like this that you have a bit of adversity, you have got to set your sail to the wind, and stand up and be strong with your convictions, and about where you are going," he said.
But Hansen is likely to make selection changes for the season-ending test against Italy in Rome, handing starts to several under-used players.
After that, the long-serving coach will turn thoughts to his own future.
He plans to decide before Christmas whether to remain involved with All Blacks beyond the World Cup.
By then, he'll have clocked up 16 years with the team, including the last eight as head coach.
Among those favoured to replace him is Kiwi Schmidt, whose success with Ireland can't be ignored and who has yet to commit to any post-World Cup plans.
AAP
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