KEY POINTS:
Keith Robinson's is a fantastic story - from nowhere to pretty much first-choice All Black lock in a very short time.
For me, he was man of the match against England. I was hugely impressed - and I don't say that often. His work rate, efficiency and rugged
presence were outstanding.
The All Blacks didn't start particularly well, maybe due to nerves, rustiness, the atmosphere or all those things. But they came back into it strongly and Robinson was a big part of that. The All Blacks were powerful in all the collision areas and at the tackled ball, they cleared out the rucks ruthlessly. They ended up winning in a bit of a canter, even though they shipped three tries.
Robinson was also massive in the lineouts. He was calling them, not Chris Jack, and it is amazing how well the All Black lineout has settled down with Robinson there. He has become a vital part of the pack almost instantly. I am not criticising Jack, nor Ali Williams, nor Jason Eaton but none have had the same impact on the front five as Robinson.
Jack was involved in Chris Masoe's breakout that led to Carl Hayman's wonderful try but, for Aaron Mauger's try, have a look at the video. You'll see the guy who cleaned out the ruck, freeing the ball and making the time for the passes - Robinson.
It was speed and power at work and the difference between the All Blacks and the English is also that all our players have the skills and confidence to run with the ball, time a pass and make the right decisions - like Tony Woodcock in the Mauger try.
The English simply could not score tries like Mauger's or Hayman's. Their forwards can't do it. Whereas we have players brought up learning skills by kicking and passing a rugby ball as kids on the field during lunch breaks at school, the English do not have that background in skills and athletic ability.
And then there's the attitude. The English were clapped off Twickenham after the match. It was their sixth loss in a row and biggest defeat at home. Try and imagine a New Zealand crowd clapping off the All Blacks in that situation.
Yet that's the attitude - they are much more relaxed about their rugby here in England. For Kiwis, it is much more about winning and that's why the All Blacks go the extra yard and prepare so well.
I feel a bit sorry for England coach Andy Robinson. He's under the gun but he has to work with available material and the players are not up to it. That's what it comes down to in the end - players have to take responsibility.
There are some things you can't coach and Robinson can't be held accountable for the failings of English rugby and the fact many of the players do not have the skill and athleticism to beat the All Blacks.
Some of the media up here tried to say things might have been different had that first try to Jamie Noon been allowed.
I don't think so. The All Blacks won well - and did so in third gear for much of the way.
So now to France and some people will be upset Graham Henry is not yet fielding his best team. He will next week but this is a clever selection for this match. Win, and he will have two combinations capable of beating the French and will strike a blow deep into their psyche. Lose, and he still has next week to put matters right and will have further sorted out his selections.
