The Kiwis had the chance to exert real pressure on the home team, but kept leaving the door ajar. Photo / Photosport
COMMENT
It won't be much consolation now, but the 18-16 first test defeat to England might be good for the Kiwis in the long run.
Not just over the next two weeks, as they attempt to save the series, but also over the next few years, as the team builds towards the 2021 World Cup.
League players aren't exposed to much test football - given the vagaries of the international calendar - but it is significantly different to the game at club level.
This was another reminder.
Coach Michael Maguire bristles with the constant references to his squad being young, but there is no doubt this current crop of Kiwis are an emerging group, lacking some experience at this level.
That was evident yesterday.
The New Zealand team were a bit fast and loose at times, occasionally cavalier in their approach, especially in the 15 minutes before halftime.
They had the chance to exert real pressure on the home team, but kept leaving the door ajar, particularly when they failed to complete their sets.
England were fortunate at times, and aided by several questionable calls, but also defended mightily.
It was almost the 'rope a dope' strategy applied to league; they absorbed everything the Kiwis could throw at them, then finished the stronger.
It was a harsh lesson.
There was no lack of effort or commitment from the Kiwis, and the forwards gave as good as they got.
But as a group, they failed to seize crucial moments, and also learned - the hard way - that England always finish strongly on home soil, especially when the crowd come to life.
"It comes down to execution, sticking with our game plan," said Kiwis prop Martin Taupau.
"We wanted to apply as much pressure as we could. We did that in patches but we took our foot off the pedal at some points."
The Kiwis were a little naive at times, and, as Maguire reflected, overdid the option of running on the last tackle.
It worked as a surprise tactic against the Kangaroos at Mt Smart but became predictable in Hull.
This was epitomised with three minutes to go in the first half, when the Kiwis tried to manufacture something on the last tackle, just past halfway, instead of pinning England in the corner.
That set up an opportunity for the home side which ultimately led to the controversial penalty try on the stroke of halftime.
"I thought in the first half, we ran it on the last a few times when we could've kicked it long," Maguire said.
"From a game point of view, we need to get better at that. It was there to take for both teams and they applied a but more pressure than we did."
Shaun Johnson kicked the Kiwis into the lead with 15 minutes to play but the New Zealand team couldn't see it out.
"To me, it's about how we respond," said Maguire. "Who walks out on that field with a New Zealand jersey on, there's an expectation, and this group is building. It doesn't matter how old or young you are."
"I don't think it is a massive fix for us," added Taupau. "It all comes down to individuals and fine tuning."
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