KEY POINTS:
The All Black levels of concern about their lack of physicality at the breakdown will only escalate if Richie McCaw and Ali Williams are ruled out of the first test against South Africa.
Both were sent for X-rays on their ankles last night, with coach Graham Henry only
able to say of the injuries: "They look reasonably serious to me."
The prognosis for the pair will be known this morning and, while the All Black coaching panel were careful last night to remain upbeat and philosophical about the damage to their star men, that belied their true feelings; the All Blacks will be seriously vulnerable without their skipper and world class lock.
They will be most vulnerable at the breakdown, where England caused them a lot of trouble with their size and power. And it's hardly as if anyone needs reminding that South Africa are not short of big men or aggression.
"They play that sort of rugby," said All Black forwards coach Steve Hansen of England. "They are good at it. I think the South Africans will use the ball a bit better than England."
It would seem, then, that once the All Blacks have enjoyed a few days off, they will be in camp with a view to improving technique at the collision.
"It's hard work shifting something that big," said stand-in captain Rodney So'oialo explaining why the All Blacks had trouble with England in that area. "They are difficult in size, in the way they clean out and they throw everything at it."
As much work will be done on mindset, though, with Hansen suggesting much of the problem was caused by the lack of physicality in Super 14 as a result of playing under the trial laws.
Test football is more confrontational and the All Blacks will have to get back to playing a game where numbers go to the ball to win it back.
No one knows that better than McCaw so his loss would be keenly felt.
Hansen suggested Daniel Braid, Tanerau Latimer and Chris Masoe would be considered if they decide to select a specialist openside. Ross Filipo and Jason Eaton are possible lock replacements - with the All Blacks already light in this area, they will need men with test experience.