The players demonstrated the ability to adapt in games, as they had when rain in Perth forced a change to their intended plan. It is something they work on in their preparation during the weeks leading up to the tests, and in Perth, they were doing it on the field before messages came down from the coaching box.
"The game and information are already on the field; they've got the answers, that's one part of it.
"The other part is to create depth, and we want to go four deep in each position, so we create a lot of competition, and we feel like we're getting there."
However, injuries will require depth to be tested on their northern tour to end their year. While first five-eighths Beauden Barrett, wing Caleb Clarke and midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai will have recovered from injury, lock Tupou Vaa'i, wing Emoni Narawa, prop Tyrel Lomax and halfback Noah Hotham will miss the tour.
Robertson said Australia forced the All Blacks to make a lot of tackles, especially in the early stages of the Test. But showing discipline, the All Blacks stayed in the game and took their opportunities.
"We got ahead on the scoreboard and that was important going into the second half."
They demonstrated mental toughness and grit to shut out Australia.
"In past games, we probably would have let teams back in, but in its entirety, and the bench came on and made a big difference, we managed to finish it.
"We knew the importance of this match for them. They wanted to turn that [their losing streak], especially here in a state that you don't get too much footy. We came prepared for that and are happy with the result from a tough performance.
Robertson was pleased with the impact Quinn Tupaea made at centre.
"He's robust, tough, physical. It was great to see him in his ball carry and he'll be better for that Test."
Wing Leroy Carter has proved to be a special player.
"He's powerful, short, good hops, keeps his feet and is instinctual, and with Leicester [Fainga'anuku], you've got a player who can run over people and carry them and hold his feet. It's a good balance. He's got a left foot, so to have him, and Caleb [Clarke], and someone that can go into the midfield, and Leroy can go into halfback, so they've got some great strengths.'
Robertson said the campaign as a whole suffered from periods in games when they didn't front, and their record loss to South Africa in Wellington was an example of that, but there were other times when they played some impressive rugby.
"It showed how quickly this can turn on you. We saw that with Australia in South Africa, and us as well, and we've got to make sure we learn in games and stay in the fight, and we did that tonight."
Captain Scott Barrett said it was pleasing to finish the Championship with a win in the manner they achieved.
"It wasn't pretty, but we hung tough in greasy conditions, adapted, and throughout this Championship, we've learned we need to front up every week when you put the All Black jersey on. And a couple of times we didn't do that, and those are tough lessons.
"This group's got a few scars from that and we want to have a bit of a refresh before we head up north and chase the Grand Slam."
Barrett said with penalties in the game shared at 14 each, the All Blacks were a 'little too eager' around the breakdown.
"Both teams wanted to put pressure on there, particularly in that first 30 [minutes], but we adapted and were able to put some pressure on their breakdown, and we got the reward later in the game.
"We got some good results from their lineout throws as well. Being a greasy night, challenging the throw to the back, we shifted a little and were hoping to get in the air.
"It wasn't a perfect night for our lineout either. It was challenging."
