All Blacks: Henry praises his 'exceptional' midfield (+ photos, video)

Ma'a Nonu has been the big improver in the All Blacks backline. Photo / Brett Phibbs

New Zealand 37
England 20

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Video: Watch the All Blacks post match press conference

The All Black coaching panel split their post-match energy between berating the English scrum and lauding the All Black midfield.

In a cryptic jibe, coach Graham Henry suggested England were guilty of passive scrummaging in the final 20 minutes. Whether he truly believed that or was just trying to goad them into spicing up the return was hard to tell.

What was genuine, however, was the stated belief that the All Blacks have found the right blend of guile, power and potency in their midfield.

"I thought Dan Carter played his best game for a long time," said Henry. "He was outstanding. Ma'a [Nonu] was very good, too, and so was Conrad [Smith]. At 10, 12 and 13, we were exceptional."

With Charlie Hodgson here in a non-tackling capacity and Olly Barkley a bit light in the tackle, it was an easy channel for the All Blacks to exploit.

Still, they did it well, with Nonu timing his work nicely off Carter and Smith straightening and accelerating well.

It was maybe the work of Nonu, though, that had the selectors feeling confident about what lies ahead.

The Hurricanes midfielder has not had a smooth ride at test level. He's been a hokey cokey All Black - in, out and shaken all about. But he was solid in Wellington on limited possession and took that up a notch last night.

The Nonu of old would have made the same linebreak that led to Mils Muliaina's try but would not have thrown that inch-perfect pass.

There were other times, too, where he clearly restrained himself from taking the risky option and instead held on to the ball and kept possession.

If he keeps this up, he'll become a vital weapon for an All Black side that was wondering at the start of this season just how they were going to get by at second five.

Backs coach Wayne Smith said of Nonu's performance: "His biggest improvement is his ability to play for the team, to get out of the ruck and to get back on his feet. He's one of the best attacking players in world rugby, so you don't want him in rucks. He's trying really hard and getting just rewards with his performances."

Henry also suggested fatigue set in to the All Black performance in the final 20 minutes, which may well have been a hint that changes are on the way for this week's test in Christchurch.