ALBANY -- All Blacks boss Steve Hansen has labelled his side's defensive display in their 57-0 obliteration of South Africa on Saturday as the best of his six-year tenure.
He also praised lock Luke Romano for devising part of their plan.
New Zealand shut out the old enemy at North Harbour Stadium, built on total dominance at the set piece and stealing five of the Springboks' 14 lineouts.
They were equally as potent in attack, scoring eight tries and producing the same attacking brilliance that saw them crush everything in their path in 2016.
For Hansen, the scoreline was partly misleading.
He insisted his side had been genuinely challenged in their final home Test of the year, and that only ruthlessness separated the two sides on the night.
But he did applaud his defence for a flawless display, and revealed that Romano - not named in the matchday squad - devised their lineout plan.
"Our defensive work was probably as good as we've ever had it, so that made a big difference," Hansen told reporters.
"I think they're a good side and the scoreboard probably doesn't reflect the margin between the two teams.
"We really targeted set piece, we wanted to really dominate there and Luke came up with a really good defensive plan and the boys executed it well.
"That side of our plan worked."
Barring a jumpy opening 15 minutes, the world champions cleaned the floor with the Springboks, returning to their ruthless best with ball in hand.
A piece of Aaron Smith magic opened the floodgates in the 17th minute, dinking a cute left-footed kick into the path of winger Rieko Ioane to slide over.
Further tries to Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Codie Taylor and a Nehe Milner-Skudder double then completed the romp, with the Springboks having barely a sniff in the second stanza.
"Credit to the All Blacks they were superb," Springboks coach Allister Coetzee told reporters.
"That's why they're the world's No.1 team.
Five-eighth Beauden Barrett was also exceptional, bouncing back from last week's subdued display against Argentina to direct his side with aplomb.
With four wins from four, the All Blacks are now in pole position to retain the Rugby Championship, with trips to Buenos Aires and Cape Town to come.
"We have no option but to fight back in South Africa," Coetzee said.
"We will get stronger from this learning experience."
