A one-point loss to the All Blacks drew plenty of conflicting emotions for recalled Wallaby Lachie Turner.

While the NSW Waratahs winger was thrilled to be back in the gold jersey he last wore nearly 12 months ago, the heartbreaking 23-22 Bledisloe Cup defeat at ANZ Stadium left a bitter aftertaste.

Turner was later awarded the player's player of the match award by his teammates and he said he was personally happy with the way his international return panned out.

"I think my goal for the night was to make sure the boys didn't lose anything from me being out there," the 23-year-old told reporters on Sunday.

"I felt a couple of times in attack I was a half step behind where I should have been but apart from that I was really happy.

"I think I was just really excited about getting back out there and representing my country.

"I wasn't overawed by it this time and just enjoyed every minute of it but saying that I don't think I've ever been more gutted on a footy field than what I was last night."

Turner had a pivotal hand in two of the game's early moments, nearly scoring in the corner only to be denied by a Cory Jane try-saving tackle before turning defender to haul down All Blacks' fullback Mils Muliaina with the line beckoning just minutes later.

And Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said Turner's impressive display had come as little surprise after a productive stint in club rugby with NSW Shute Shield team Eastwood.

"We've seen the way he's been working, the way he's been training," Deans said.

"He's not alone in that either. Some of the other blokes you haven't even seen yet are working really hard and there's evidence of the growth in their game.

"The way that the players have embraced what's required, is exciting."

And there's no rest for Turner, who must now re-focus his attentions on preparing to represent Australia in the sevens rugby competition at next month's Commonwealth Games.

"I'm really excited about Delhi, over the last two months that little distraction has been exactly what I've needed and it's helped me train and work my way back into contention for the Wallabies," he said.

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