Justin Marshall: Second test will go up another notch

All Blacks during the national anthem. Photo / Brett Phibbs

What an occasion and what a perfect start for the All Blacks.

For me, 2011 was a real eye opener in terms of the influx of supporters and excitement of the World Cup here, but I really got the feeling that there is a similar buzz around this Lions test series or perhaps even more so - there is one team for them to follow rather than many.

There was a sea of red jerseys around Auckland's Viaduct on Thursday, Friday and before the test on Saturday and that gave me an insight into what it might have been like in 2005. As a player you don't really see that - you're focused on preparing and training and when you're not doing that you're in a hotel room or a bus.

This was a great start for the All Blacks too. They will be pleased to get that first test in the bag. Our aim as All Blacks 12 years ago was very much to win that first one in Christchurch to ease some of the pressure and it allowed us to focus on improvement with confidence boosted.

No doubt the Lions would have been feeling the same way. They would have been desperate for a win to break the All Blacks' remarkable record at Eden Park and set themselves up. Now it's advantage All Blacks.

I wrote last week about the All Blacks basing their attack close to the ruck as well as working off halfback and they did that very effectively. They have had the advantage of watching the Lions over the past three weeks and have seen how the tourists' defence unsettles teams and forces them into making poor decisions.

The All Blacks implemented their game plan to perfection. They lost a bit of ball early, and didn't win the opening exchanges which they will look to rectify but once they got into rhythm they were ruthless. Credit to Steve Hansen and all his coaches for the way they went for a strategy which isn't usually theirs. They hit the Lions at a rate of 70-80 per cent in the zone around the ruck when they usually operate from the midfield out.

Injuries will be a concern for them, and they will be forced to make changes, but their victory allows them breathing space here, and besides, the Lions will probably make some selection changes too.

The Lions showed glimpses of what they're capable of, but they also showed the same fundamental issues which have hampered them all tour - a lack of composure and patience in finishing off promising line breaks and ultimately a lot of their good work was undone.

The All Blacks are ruthless when they get a chance. The Lions showed with their sensational try that they can be clinical too and went close several other times only to fall short.

In the second half, another Liam Williams' break out had the All Blacks on the ropes, they refused the kickable three, but then lost the lineout. This is where games are won and lost. I think Warren Gatland will make a few changes because the pace of the game found a few players out. They dominated territory and possession but the All Blacks forced them into making more tackles than they wanted.

Some of the Lions forwards were fatigued because of that and were rendered ineffectual as a result of constantly having to tackle, get up, tackle, get up. The pace simply drained all their energy and they started to fall off tackles and lose the physical battle.

I am only speculating but I believe Warren Gatland will recognise he has to pick more mobility in his makeup for Wellington to stay with the All Blacks intensity and tempo.

At Eden Park there was physicality, pace and skills. I believe both teams will be better for it. The first test was very good but I think the second one will be another notch up, if that doesn't get you excited nothing will.