KEY POINTS:
There was a lot to enjoy about the All Black test against England and not just about the All Blacks. While England conceded a record score at home, the style they are endeavouring to play will pay dividends in the future.
The question is whether their fans and
administrators have the patience to persevere. If some wins don't come then heads will roll, most probably Andy Robinson's.
The pace and refereeing of the game-less talk from all concerned was refreshing and seemed to work for all involved.
While England were without some regular forwards, the All Blacks more than handled things up front, physically and mentally. The scrum was secure on its own ball and did enough to make England ponder if Pat Sanderson should be at number eight as he had real problems clearing the ball to Shaun Perry.
The All Black lineout seemed to regain its composure and I wonder what influence Keith Robinson's presence has made. Like the man, the lineout is now direct, uncomplicated and reliable. Sure, a couple of feeds were messy and the odd lineout was lost but enough basics were there for Steve Hansen and co to breathe easier.
I was particularly impressed with the All Blacks' ability to negate the England lineout drive - again nothing illegal or crude - just manpower and solid technique.
All Black dominance at the set-piece continued at the breakdown. Again it wasn't just brute force but what looked to be a definite plan of not committing too many players at the ruck when England had the ball but just enough to stop any drive.
The odd turnover by the likes of Richie McCaw and Chris Masoe gave the All Blacks scoring chances which were taken with precision and deadly accuracy.
Graham Henry has been preaching to teams for more than 30 years the value of scoring points just before and after halftime - a period when some teams are not fully concentrating or either waiting for the break or not geared up after it.
The six minutes just before the break when the All Blacks managed 15 points against the daydreaming English sealed the game. Sure, England did better in the second half but the match was decided in that crucial six minutes.
The Daniel Carter 50-metre penalty must make him the most feared man in world rugby and his other 23 points weren't bad either.
The tries to Joe Rokocoko and Carl Hayman came from a ruck/maul turnover and a sloppy England pass. Again Henry and co will be pleased the result of pressure was points.
What can get better?
The defence conceded three official tries and probably one which wasn't given - although it looked suspiciously fine. If the technology is to be used then maybe ensure there are enough cameras to give the officials a fair go or let the officials accept the positive if there is no evidence of a negative.
If the All Blacks give the French as many opportunities as England, there may be more than three tries conceded.
Questions will be asked of Ma'a Nonu's defence but maybe it's more to do with combinations and all understanding the same defensive pattern?
As the game progressed the All Blacks lost their accuracy at the ruck/maul and conceded sloppy, unnecessary penalties. This may have been due to fatigue but should be targeted for improvement.
Word is there will be changes for the Lyon test. I would like to see the retention of the bulk of the forwards - maybe Jerry Collins and Rodney So'oialo the only additions.
Keep Byron Kelleher, Carter, Aaron Mauger, Rokocoko and Mils Muliaina in the starting line-up as this team should be building combinations in the vital areas of the game.
All the good work against England at lineout could be lost with a new bunch against France.
Why not give the combination that played England another chance to grow and be tested against another tough opponent?
It would be a shame to lose the momentum for the sake of rotation and rest.
