Video: What it takes to be an All BlackKEY POINTS:
The All Blacks started the season well against Ireland last Saturday. Now they must step up again.
I was impressed with the technique and aggression of the forwards against Ireland, supposedly one of the better packs in Europe. The All Blacks always had the momentum and frankly the
score in Wellington probably flattered the Irish team.
I was surprised with the scrum and lineout where the likes of Tialata and Thorn shone brighter than recent Super 14 form would suggest.
The weather made it tough for the backs to construct much of a pattern. Andy Ellis was efficient while Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith were accurate and consistent - I guess you can't want more from a first test of the season.
Ireland were gallant but must regret a missed opportunity to get a first win against the All Blacks.
Make no mistake: England will be different. For a start they have picked the best available side and will probably have more self-belief than the Irish. They will, however, miss the injured players left behind - particularly Danny Cipriani, Paul Sackey and James Simpson-Daniel in the backs. The guys starting in their positions will be tested by the All Blacks - particularly the back three of Mike Brown, Topsy Ojo and David Strettle.
Olly Barclay and Mike Tindall have been around long enough to take care of the midfield - they are tough and will relish the confrontation with Nonu and Smith.
Charlie Hodgson was one of the better Lions in 2005 and given some half-decent ball will direct his team around the park. Halfback Richard Wigglesworth will be targeted by Rodney So'oialo and Jerome Kaino - he will need to be protected if England are to have a chance.
England's fate depends upon winning the forward battle. The All Blacks on the other hand could lose the battle up front but still win the match. Not so for England - to win the test they must physically and mentally bash the All Black pack.
If they don't succeed it could be a scoring blowout to Graham Henry's men. If they do, then with some grit from the inexperienced backs victory could go their way.
As usual it will start with the low numbers: 1, 2 and 3. Andrew Sheridan will be the key - at least that's what the English seem to think. On previous occasions the ABs have handled him well at scrum time. I believe he has matured and is now way better than what we have seen in the past.
It takes time for props to develop into the role and Sheridan's conversion from lock to prop is now complete.
His opposite Sommerville has played many great games for New Zealand at tight-head prop but I have been disappointed with his scrum work in recent times. I am sure scrum coach Cron has worked hard with him this week.
If he fails to handle Sheridan at scrum time the results could be disastrous.
Lee Mears and Matt Stevens are not big men but are both mobile. Recent captain Phil Vickery may be missed at scrum time but Stevens is not far behind him in terms of power and offers far more in the loose.
Steve Borthwick and Tom Palmer will compete better than the Irish at the lineouts - particularly on their own ball.
The forward reserves Ben Kay and Joe Worsley have class and will make a difference. Word is that Tom Rees and James Haskell are England's next big things. Maybe so, but they will need this and more to cope with So'oalio and Richie McCaw.
The selectors say So'oalio is playing No. 6 to help with McCaw's workload which seems strange given his preference for No. 8 and Kaino's for No. 6. This might simply be a case of change for the sake of it.
One concern: The All Black forward replacements - Keven Mealamu aside - look a bit green so the starting guys really need to set the platform.
The All Blacks will be wanting to take another step up from the level against Ireland. Last week the preparation was tinged with huge passion over the coaching dramas, redemption for Cardiff and sheer bloody mindedness to prove the many doubters wrong.
McCaw particularly was out to make a point: has he played better for the All Blacks in recent times?
After such an intense and emotional week it may be hard for the team to maintain quite the same edge tomorrow.
This is where Henry and Co earn their money. Sport can change on emotion.
The All Blacks have a long season ahead and the detractors will not accept even a minor drop in performance in any one game. Put this against maybe the best England team seen here since 2003 and it could be an interesting night at the Garden of Eden.
