The All Blacks' 57-22 victory over the Wallabies at Eden Park earned the satisfaction of coach Ian Foster, whose side ran in a record score to retain the Bledisloe Cup for the 19th consecutive year.
Following the 33-25 victory in the series opener at the same venue last week, questions were asked of the All Blacks, who appeared to take their eye off the ball in the dying stages - allowing Australia to score three unanswered tries in a late comeback attempt.
But one week on, there won't be any such questions - as coach Ian Foster's side responded in emphatic style. The All Blacks' record-breaking performance bettered the 54 points scored against Australia in Sydney in 2017.
Speaking post-match, Foster hailed the response from his side, which ensured the Wallabies will have to wait another year at least for the chance to win at Eden Park - a run stretching back to 1986.
"It was an improvement," Foster says. "I won't put a number on it or anything.
"Even when we were under pressure, we found a way out of there.
"I thought the leadership of Sam [Whitelock] and our leaders, the composure was really, really good. We were under a lot of pressure there [during] spells, particularly in that first half.
"We made some big steps forward in that space."
Foster also commended his side's discipline, following an uncharacteristically high penalty count in last week's series opener.
Again though, Saturday's record win showed the first Eden Park display might just well be the exception that proves the rule.
"We made good strides. I think we spoke last week, I know it's been said, about the discipline," Foster added.
"I think we got stuck in a few periods of play last week, the start and at the end, where our penalty count mounted up for other reasons.
"This week, we climbed out of that. We stuck to what we've been working on, and that takes great discipline.
"We were still put under pressure, but we responded differently - which is pleasing."
With the Bledisloe Cup now locked away for another year, the All Blacks have the chance to reflect on their continued dominance of trans-Tasman rugby's biggest prize.
And captain Sam Whitelock did exactly that, noting that for any New Zealand side, there's nothing quite like beating Australia.
"It's very, very special," he said. "It's a trophy that we know a lot of the history about as players, and as a team.
"The players that have been around longer normally drive what it means, the history behind it, the highs and lows. Both sides have highs and lows with the Bledisloe.
"It's something that's different for us as Kiwis. It doesn't matter what sport it is, Aussie v New Zealand, everyone loves to go out there and compete against the neighbour.
"So it is special, and always has been, and always will be.
"I hope when after I've hung up my boots, and [I'm] watching in 20 years' time, that feeling is still there.
"I'm sure it will be because it means so much to both teams and both countries."
The All Blacks will now pack their bags for a mighty road trip, firstly taking on Australia in the third Bledisloe Cup test in Perth in two weeks, before facing Argentina and South Africa in the hope of winning yet another Rugby Championship.
