All Blacks tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax said the home pack had absorbed England's approach at the scrum from Dunedin and were better prepared for Auckland.
"They got a couple of penalties early on. It took us a little while to adapt to that, but we've worked on that this week and have respected them with good preparation. That's still an area we want to attack."
At the same time, Lomax praised the effort of 22-year-old England replacement prop Fin Baxter, who played 60 minutes after experienced prop Joe Marler was forced to leave the field due to a foot injury.
"I said at halftime that he was a guy who came on and really wanted to scrum, and he tried to pressure us. We got more of an even hit when he was on.
Lomax said there was satisfaction among the New Zealand side for how they ground out a win against a tough England team.
"This week, it's about growing connections and a few things we could do a lot better, and around that rush defence, it's being able to get the passes to where they need to be a bit earlier.
"The set piece is an area that we want to grow throughout the year so it's another step forward this weekend around our lineout."
Lomax said while now a settled starter, he still had a chip on his shoulder over not being selected in 2022 and went into games wanting to prove himself.
"You're never guaranteed a spot in the All Blacks, so any chance you got you take it with both hands. I've got a few more games under my belt and know what's required of me at Test level."
Having assistant coach Jason Ryan come in and into his third season with the side has been essential for the side's development.
"He came in and commanded respect from everyone, and he's been given a licence to grow our set piece. You've got to have a good set piece to compete with the best in the world.
"He puts the onus on the individual to come in and nail your role, whether it's a starter, finisher or someone who's not in the 23."
Starting halfback for the fifth time in his 22-Test career, Finlay Christie said while playing regularly at Eden Park for the Blues, it would be even more special wearing the All Blacks jersey.
"It's like the home of rugby for the All Blacks in New Zealand and being that big national stadium - it's an awesome place to play."
Coming in as the replacement for the injured TJ Perenara, he was looking to play with a cool head and not try to overachieve while doing what the team needed him to do.
"We've got a great team with great players and we just require everyone to do their role."
Dealing with England's rush defence made his distribution vital to coping with the pressure that brought.
"It's hard to play against, especially if you don't win that breakdown area. They brought a lot of heat with their defence last week. We've got to try to win that collision area to make our game flow a bit better.
"It puts pressure on the halfback if you have to be digging for balls or balls spitting out. But if we can get on that front foot it will fly a bit better."
Christie said his combination with first five-eighths Damian McKenzie was growing, and they have been well connected this week.
He said he would be looking to improve his first actions this week as he felt he put the team under pressure soon after coming on last week.
"We all look to get better. If you're in this environment you have to be looking to get better."
Having a second chance against a team was rare in Test rugby, and both teams would be firing on Saturday.