Richard Loe: Win a story of judicious subbing

This was a better test match by the All Blacks than the last three put together - but it was still a bit too close for comfort.

There was a lot to be pleased with about the All Blacks, although a few individuals will be having a good look at themselves. Still, the commitment, intensity and defence in the second half were all very good.

I didn't think there was a man of the match - it was too close and too unclear a game for that - and the Australians rattled us for the first 20 or 30 minutes, with Matt Giteau and Berrick Barnes looking very dangerous.

I thought Graham Henry and the All Blacks came out ahead in an area I often criticise them for - substitutions. Instead of just subbing for the sake of it, the substitutions were tactically sound last night and I think they gave the All Blacks the edge.

Keven Mealamu, Piri Weepu and Kieran Read played really well when they came on and made a real difference.

I thought Robbie Deans made the worst sub of the night when he brought on that young lad James O'Connor. He had a bit of a nightmare, poor sod.

Of those who started, Brad Thorn and Isaac Ross played well, and so did Tony Woodcock. Jerome Kaino had a fine, intense second half that helped the All Blacks to win. Richie McCaw was as invaluable as ever after a bit of a rough start and Stephen Donald had a better night, although he still gives you heart failure every now and then. Sitiveni Sivivatu tried hard and nearly got away a couple of times.

But it was the subs that made the difference. Weepu was all fire, waving his arms, organising, talking and scuttling over the gain line; Read did some enormous work and Mealamu's performance will make Andrew Hore sweat. I think maybe Andrew was too busy being on TV and answering back to Robin Brooke's call for the All Blacks to have a bit more mongrel.

I have said consistently that Neemia Tialata is not up to the tighthead position - I would have played John Afoa, who wasn't even on the bench - and I think Tialata proved it last night. He just doesn't do enough.

I couldn't see his scrummaging well enough but he doesn't give you confidence and doesn't do that much around the paddock. Owen Franks does - he was very industrious - but he is maybe not up to test level at the scrums yet. Might struggle against the Boks, I reckon.

But it was a better effort by the ABs - let's hope for better again.