There was potential for the victory that appeared to be in sight after Richie McCaw dived in at the corner on 46 minutes, to drift a long way out of view.
Instead the All Blacks stiffened their resolve. They were patient, composed, certain and clinical.
They played smart rugby in the loose, backing themselves to find space even with their numeric disadvantage. They adapted their lineout to cope with Aaron Smith throwing in; got the ball out of seven-man scrums as quickly as they could and in those 10 minutes the All Blacks found their urgency and accuracy.
England, if they thought their moment had come, weren't able to take it and by the time the All Blacks were back to their full quota, they had extended their lead to 19-14.
Coach Steve Hansen didn't want the credit for that resolve and tenacity to be given to the All Blacks' superior number of test caps to England's.
"One team having more caps than the other, you know ... if you lose they tell you those caps are too old and they should retire," he said. "It's just an excuse. The reality is that we won the game in those 10 minutes. We were able to play with 14 men when Colesy reacted to being pulled off his feet. Yes, he was ill-disciplined but what pleased us most was that our guys showed the mental fortitude to say 'we have got to dig in here and work harder than we have' and they did that.
Watch: Highlights: All Blacks 24 England 21
"We won that period 3-0 and I think that hurt England a wee bit. I don't think it has got anything to do with caps, it has got everything to do with the people wearing the respective jerseys."
The All Blacks have had a bit too much practice playing with 14 men - having done it in each test against Australia this year - and they do know the drill. When the TMO was endlessly deliberating the Coles incident, McCaw had already decided the yellow card was inevitable and the plan was hatched early about how to shuffle the resources. "I think not a lot had to be said, unfortunately, because we have had to do that a few times this year," said McCaw. "At that period we had England under pressure. We were unlucky not to have got over the line when Sam [Whitelock] crossed the line. The big thing was we didn't want to give them an easy out and the guys barred up. We adapted really well and that is what is pleasing - we have got guys who understand what is required.
"I could sense our guys were excited in the way that we were starting to feel on top. Sometimes when you are put in a position with 14 men that flicks the switch which you would like to be able to do without being down to 14 men but that is what it did."
