An emotional Kurtley Beale said Saturday’s 35-29 Bledisloe loss "cut the heart", resolving to learn from the painful defeat.
Beale, who was one of the Wallabies’ best in the enthralling encounter, was visibly emotional after the match, speaking about the result.
“That one really hurts, heartbreaking stuff, huge effort from the lads, couldn't ask anything more,” he said.
“A couple of handling errors cost us in the end and that was just a true Test match.
“I think both teams played to the very end and it's just unfortunate that we were put in that position in the end and that one really just cuts the heart a bit.
“That was a bit disappointing to finish the way it did and so obviously (we've) just got to try and soak it in and try and remember this one so when we come back next time, we'll be playing with a lot to prove.”
Beale had 10 carries for 27 metres on Saturday night, but it was his defence that proved most influential, making seven tackles, including a damaging hit on Sonny Bill Williams
The response from Australian fans was overwhelmingly positive but Beale said they were taking little notice of external opinions.
“We try not to think about it too much but obviously it's there and it's hard to dismiss but I think it's important that we stay tight and keep working hard for each other,” he said.
“We've been doing that over the last couple of weeks and there's been some positive things.
“We want to be up there and be amongst the best.
“Obviously there's a new generation of players coming through and there's a lot of hope, a lot of skill, that can help us get there. I think after tonight's performance, we'll definitely take a lot from that and build into a strong week against the (South) Africans in a couple of weeks.
The Wallabies were criticised after the opening Bledisloe for running the ball too much, but that mentality worked in Dunedin, with Beale saying they simply needed to build on that.
“We've got our own identity,” he said.
“There were times there where we had to play contestable kicks and try and play in the opposition half but I think as a playmaker out there, there's so much opportunity to give my outside backs and opportunity and confidence is a big thing.
“We started the game really well and we just needed to keep the foot on the throat there and obviously a few little decisions didn't really go our way and didn't really get the luck of the bounce and they pounced on that, which a good team always does, so we can't just go back into our shells there.
“We want to keep instilling belief in each other and getting out there and expressing ourselves and stick to the identity piece we all believe in and we all know and we all know that will work.”