Humbled after the loss, coach Scott Robertson said they wouldn't be chasing too many things.
"We're going to be clear that what matters most to us on and off the field, be really clear, and then get a plan and look forward to this next game."
Robertson acknowledged South Africa's effort, saying they played 'incredibly well' and took their opportunities.
"We'll take it on the chin. They were clearly better in their second half."
At halftime, the All Blacks felt they'd done enough in the first half, despite leaving opportunities out on the field.
"In the second half, they won the aerial battle, won the scraps. There were too many penalties around the set-piece. We lost a couple of big moments, and the game got away.
"We want to be really specific, but also own what we need to get better at and keep the courage."
Robertson didn't believe it was down to preparation issues, saying if it were, he would have seen the signs earlier.
"South Africa has probably been criticised for the aerial game and their kicking over the years, but they put so much value and so much time into that, and the way they play, and they get return on it. They're so good at it.
"We've done a lot of prep on it, but they own that area and then end up putting so much pressure on us."
He was unable, in the time available, to understand where the game unravelled.
"It's something we definitely have to look at, and we've got to find out pretty quickly. We've got a big Bledisloe coming.
"With the changes they made in their backline we knew they were going to play more."
He was surprised how often the All Blacks were broken open, especially off the box kicks.
Robertson said it was disappointing because, having instilled a work ethic in the team, it was set up to dig in and show grit in those types of circumstances.
"We couldn't really buy anything because we couldn't get anything happening, and they went on a tear. Congratulations to them.
"There's some great, great efforts out there by us and great performances by them. We'll probably have to have a look at a little bit more detail before I forget that, but something like that, it's going to hurt you."
Captain Scott Barrett said that towards the end of the second half, when they were chasing the game, they played more loosely and tried to push the play, but it hadn't come off.
"It is disappointing."
He said the side needed to stick together, look at their individual games and their preparation.
Working on their scrums and lineouts would be areas of attention. He was sure the team would use the discomfort to bounce back and finish the Rugby Championship strong.
Find out where to watch the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship around the world HERE.
Click HERE to play Fantasy Rugby Championship.