The All Blacks coach Graham Henry concedes a number of younger players didn't react well in Saturday night's Tri-Nations loss in Sydney.
The side lost 11 experienced players after last year's World Cup and a lack of experience perhaps counted against a number of players.
Henry says while the senior players in particular played well, some of the youngsters found the pace and intensity difficult.
But he says they'll learn from that, though there is a lot of work to be done if the All Blacks are to retain their Tri-Nations title.
Saturday's second test against Australia has now become a must-win, as the Wallabies top the table and gained a bonus point in their four-try win over New Zealand.
