Sir Clive Woodward goes gaga about All Blacks' opening onslaught

Clive Woodward...raising a glass to the All Blacks. Photo / Mark Mitchell.

The All Blacks didn't just beat Ireland. They took Sir Clive Woodward's breath away.

Woodward said the 21 - 9 victory was a "reality check" for England who "have a long way to go before they can match the All Blacks."

In what could be the most gushing three minutes of reading about three minutes of rugby, Woodward piled the praise on thick and fast for the initial All Blacks burst which produced the Malakai Fekitoa try.

Clive Woodward...raising a glass to the All Blacks. Photo / Mark Mitchell.

The former England and Lions coach told his Daily Mail readers: "The first three minutes from New Zealand against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium took my breath away and left us all in no doubt that England, for all their improvement, have a long way to go before they can match the All Blacks.

"Stung into action after their shock defeat against the Irish in Chicago, New Zealand responded with the most intense, aggressive and ruthless passage of rugby I have ever seen. An irresistible three-minute burst of excellence and controlled fury that, currently, only they can produce.

"It was an opening to a sporting encounter that coaches in all sport could benefit from watching."

Woodward believed England was capable of matching New Zealand, saying they had the talent, coaching staff, finance and facilities.

"...keeping English feet firmly grounded should be straightforward - just start every training session by showing them the first three minutes of Saturday's Ireland v New Zealand match," he said.

"They are getting there but will need another season or two before they can produce the 80-minute effort and short bursts of unbelievable intensity that New Zealand can rely on."