After their struggles earlier in 2022, the All Blacks haven't had to wait long for the influence of forwards coach Jason Ryan to take shape.
Following a 2-1 series loss to Ireland, Ryan was rushed into the All Blacks' environment, tasked with restoring pride to a forward pack damaged by a string of losses, and beaten up by sides boasting more physicality than them.
And after a 26-10 defeat to the Springboks at Mbombela, the All Blacks were able to reverse their fortunes with a 35-23 win at Ellis Park a week later.
The improvement of the forwards in Johannesburg in particular was notable, as the All Blacks were able to match the South African pack blow for blow, and managed to nullify the Springboks' driving maul - a tactic which had exposed them more than once against Ireland.
Ryan's impact as forwards coach should come as no surprise, after also playing an influential role within the Crusaders' recent dominance of Super Rugby, and a stint with Fiji that saw the Pacific flyers compete with the All Blacks up front during last year's two-test series in New Zealand.
For prop Tyrel Lomax, Ryan's presence within the All Blacks' camp has been a key factor in turning their fortunes around, with the forwards united in their belief in their new coach.
"He's very passionate," said Lomax. "He cares a lot about the team, a lot about the players.
"I guess he's just a guy you don't want to let down.
"The 'Boks are a team that wanted to come and beat us up front, around the set piece; maul, scrum and lineout.
"Those are the areas that we really worked on over the last few weeks."
Ellis Park in particular will stand as a turning point for the All Blacks, giving New Zealand Rugby the confidence to retain coach Ian Foster through to next year's World Cup in France.
And while only two games into Ryan's All Blacks tenure, a stake has been laid in the ground to rebuild the forward pack's status as a world-leading unit.
Now, the challenge lies in maintaining that momentum as the Rugby Championship continues against Argentina and Australia.
"It was a huge step forward as a pack," he added. "I think Jase talked a few weeks ago about our forward pack getting 'dented'.
"To go out there and put in that sort of performance was good for us, good to lead into these next few weeks."
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