They also benched Ma'a Nonu in search of some late sting.
Putting Aaron Cruden on the park and shifting Daniel Carter to second with Ben Smith in at centre delivered some different attack but the Wallabies were able to hold on for the draw that few expected in this final Southern Hemisphere clash of the season.
The All Blacks disperse now with the 32-strong touring squad for the trip to Scotland, Italy, Wales and England due to be announced on October 29.