Sean Fitzpatrick: Mealamu the star of year's first real test

What a game by Keven Mealamu - player of the match, I thought, and not just because he's a hooker.

He was in everything, the lineout functioned better and he was an integral part of the scrum which was a real factor in the Australians losing in Christchurch last night.

The All Blacks did very well for what was effectively their first test of the season. No one who watched that could be critical of them, accepting that they will do much better when they have more time together.

The promise for their future matches was unmistakable.

I was pleased with the intensity they showed - they lifted it hugely from this year's first three tests - and did the basics well.

They needed to because the Australians started nicely but that sinbinning of Rocky Elsom knocked the Australian game plan off its perch. They never really got their structure back.

The intensity at the breakdown was good and I thought Richie McCaw had his best game of the season. His direction and accuracy were pleasing and he led well.

The game also showed how well off we are for locks. Chris Jack had a beauty and Jason Eaton also played superbly. Eaton didn't really deserve to be subbed off but when he was, Ali Williams came on and really did the business.

But that scrum got the Australians. As I said last week, they still have that vulnerability there. The refs are on to them now and don't let them get away with anything and the cumulative effect of being done over in the scrums showed in that last 20 minutes when they were pretty much out on their feet.

I'd say that would be a huge negative for John Connolly and something he has got to get to grips with somehow.

In the backs, Mils Muliaina did well and showed that the centre berth is probably his, at least until Conrad Smith gets back. I also really liked Leon MacDonald's play. There is not much of him but he always seems to get through tackles, runs nice lines and nearly always makes the ball available. Young Isaia Toeava also did well when he came on and that try will build his confidence.

I would say there will be few changes for the All Blacks as they look to build on this. You can see maybe Williams coming in for the next test for Eaton but they won't shift Mealamu.

He was sensational, especially around the field, where he always gave you confidence that he would make the ball available and also made two or three beautiful little offloads.

For the Aussies, well, I think Scott Fava might get a run in their starting XV, Matt Giteau might replace Mat Rogers and Jeremy Paul should start at hooker instead of Tai McIsaac - although that might be a bit political, as McIsaac is a Queensland boy and so is Connolly.