Coach Scott Robertson said the lesson from their two losses to South Africa in their last outings was that they failed to take chances that could have won games.
"We want to make sure we build off what we've done before, but be a bit more ruthless and more in our actions to finish games, and to give those passes, kick those goals and nail the little things we've created.
Robertson said some homework has been done on the introduction of bench players to ensure they can have the best team on the field at the right time.
"It is a balancing act; you manage it the best you can."
Ethan Blackadder wasn't selected as his hamstring injury hasn't recovered enough.
Wallace Sititi has been given another start on the blindside of the scrum after an impressive performance in the second Test against South Africa.
"He's got the ability to rise to the occasion. He's come through quickly and is so diligent. He's a good pro, and we've been impressed with him. Ardie's [Savea] taken him under his wing, and it's great he can play all three loose forward positions. He's at six, but that doesn't mean he'll finish there."
Their choice of an experienced group for the game was intended as a sign of respect for Australia. Last week was irrelevant when the Bledisloe Cup was on the line.
Sam Darry's retention as the lock on the bench was due to Patrick Tuipolotu's not being ready to play a Test match after his return from injury.
"Patrick needs another game of footy and a full week of training. His game last week for Auckland was his first 60 minutes in four months, it's a long time."
Sam Cane has retained the starting spot on the openside flank. His experience, on and off the field, and his ability to get high tackle counts and be accurate while slowing the opposition's ball have been important for the side.
"He's in good form and just what we need. He's got a good balance and he's great for Scott Barrett and Ardie, and the team."
He is mindful of the work coach Joe Schmidt has done with Australia. They are structured and playing well with the ball in hand. They can hold the ball through long phases and will have some bite.
"If you look at the first Test each year, especially in Aussie, those games have been tight. They've come down to small margins, one score games for long parts of the match.
"Both countries care about it, so a little bit of form goes out the window when the Bledisloe starts.
"He'll [Schmidt] come up with a couple of special third-phase plays you haven't seen for a while, or he's brought out of his bank.
"He's got a hell of a library of moves and he's got rugby intellect."
No8 Ardie Savea said the game was a chance for the All Blacks to show how they respond after disappointments.
"Sometimes you get knocked down, but it's how hard you can get back up and what a way for this team to show the country that we can bounce back and get our feet on the ground again."
Savea said he takes inspiration from the way Sititi has performed.
"We can perceive him as a young fellow, but he's come into this team with so much calmness, even wisdom. He's inspiring me in the way he walks and the way he plays. It's been nice watching him in Super rugby and then being able to play with him."