That test was a bit dour and a touch messy from the All Blacks.
They have to put at least three good games together next year to defend the World Cup so that's something to focus on after this performance. They missed a couple of kicks at goal, the occasionallineout throw went astray mainly due to poor calling rather than wonky throws and the scrum was suspect at times. They just didn't get the intricate things right, especially with the prospect of heading to the high veldt at Johannesburg next month.
Sometimes it's hard to get control when you're facing a formidable Springbok pack. They generated more heat on occasion than my roaring fire at home.
Their loosies were useful and Victor Matfield got in the way all day. He probably suffered a couple of harsh calls which weren't justified.
Handre Pollard was enterprising at first-five but their back play tended to be quite lateral apart from that brilliant try to Cornal Hendricks, who hit the gap at maximum pace.
However, if Morne Steyn had been there he would have kept kicking for the corners. When you've got a drive like the Boks, I can't understand why you wouldn't. The All Blacks basically couldn't stop it without getting penalised, although their defence was excellent in the last few minutes.
The All Blacks have plenty of things to assess.
Steven Luatua shows glimpses of form in his carries but he's not up to the standard of 12 months ago.
Why was Malakai Fekitoa not on the bench? Those who come on must be impact players and I don't think Cory Jane added much. I'd put Keven Mealamu in the same category at this point.
Sam Cane got a couple of turnovers but needs to work on his power. Richie McCaw and Kieran Read had superb games despite their miles under the bonnet, so there's no excuse why a young fella can't either.
The tight five need to be more unified or they're going to keep doing a lot of extra work around the fringes of that South African maul.
The last lineout went horribly wrong because it was Patrick Tuipulotu's first attempt at getting the ball. Yes, he was fresh for Jeremy Thrush but Thrush had a better chance as a jumper or lifter because he was in the rhythm of the game.
He toiled well and didn't do anything wrong. I just wonder why they subbed him two-and-a-half minutes from the end. I'm not saying he's better than Sam Whitelock but his performance was commendable.
