Flanker Sam Cane and hooker Dane Coles were solid despite the pressure of the build-up and the South Africans' willingness to mix it physically, but perhaps the biggest surprise was how well Beauden Barrett directed operations once he replaced Dan Carter after only 17 minutes. Charles Piutau was also extremely prominent after he came on at fullback for Israel Dagg, who was struggling with a leg haematoma.
All four showed composure and courage, with big performances coming also from lock Brodie Retallick and the returning prop Owen Franks, both of whom proved their worth in the set pieces and trench warfare at the breakdown.
Barrett took the line on time and again - something which veteran Conrad Smith admitted surprised him - and took a similarly direct approach with his defence - something which surprised and delighted backs coach Ian Foster.
With Piutau also showing showing a willingness to run with the ball the pair carried the ball the furthest for their team - Barrett 60m and Piutau 53m, not a bad effort considering the latter didn't join the fray until a minute into the second half.
"It's the first time they've been in a massive test like that," Hansen said of Barrett, Piutau, Cane and Coles. "The build-up was big and you could just feel the atmosphere around our group had gone up half a dozen notches. Dane came through it really well, he showed us he's definitely got a future and he thoroughly enjoyed it.
"He acknowledged it was a bit different but he did love it and that's what you want.
"Sam was outstanding. He's someone we earmarked quite a long time ago as one for the future.
"He's one of those guys who seems to get better the higher he goes, so he got a big pass mark.
"I was happy with all of our young guys. Charles Piutau came on and didn't miss a beat. Beauden Barrett was simply fantastic, he looked like he'd been there all his life."
While all four, plus Retallick, have come into the team under Hansen's watch, the All Blacks coach said he couldn't take all the credit for their development.
"It's a lot of work from a lot of people, not just me. It is pleasing that what we're doing is obviously working. It's pleasing to be able to talk to the NZRU and say that's why we need these extra people for the camps and they acknowledge that."
