KEY POINTS:
LONDON - The enigma that is Ma'a Nonu is a game within a game.
All Blacks backline coach Wayne Smith commended the centre's attacking work and all-round display yesterday while Nonu rated himself about a "four or a five".
Somewhere in between might be a more realistic rating
of the latest candidate undergoing auditions for the role of Tana Umaga's replacement with the All Blacks.
It was encouraging and curious, the sort of diverse offering Nonu has given since his introduction to the All Blacks in 2003. Two levels down in the provincial championship, he is mega-dangerous and can be equally lethal in the Super 14.
In those games, his attack easily trumps his handling, passing or defensive foibles. At test level, Nonu does not get the same latitude so his imperfections are more apparent.
Nonu was marked closely yesterday during the visitors' 41-20 victory which began their tour on the right tone but condemned England to their sixth straight defeat.
He had several bruising runs which opened up space elsewhere, his ball protection at the tackle was much cleaner but his defence was inconsistent as he rushed out of the line.
"It got pretty physical out there, it was pretty fast, faster than usual. It was just one of those games that was just all hyped up," Nonu said.
"You get pretty tired out there and you can't really hear anything. You are stuffed and the calls aren't coming out. It is pretty hard to hear.
"Communication is one thing but you have just got to react."
England had offered more on attack from setpiece than he thought they would and midfielders Anthony Allen and Jamie Noon looked likely.
Allen had a few howlers but he also beat man of the match Daniel Carter in one run to set up a try.
It was a sign of some of the defensive uncertainty that stayed with the All Black line throughout the test.
"I think the England pair are good footballers considering it was Allen's first game. Noon's a good footballer too," said Nonu.
The 24-year-old All Black thought his attack paralleled his defence and gave himself no more than five out of 10 for his performance.
What made him disappointed if he gave himself only half marks?
"I did not really get a chance. I kind of scrambled a bit but I need to improve," he said.
"I think our support play could have been better but that is the way it goes.
"Their line pretty much came up strong and fast when we were running our moves and there was not enough time for me to make a move around.
"There was just so much traffic in there, depending on the channels you wanted to go."
The adjustment from wing to centre had been taxing in the buildup and during the Twickenham test and Nonu was keen to get another go on tour at centre.
Meanwhile, Carter said he had no problems with his late inclusion for the injured Nick Evans, reserves always trained as if they would be needed at any stage.
His 53m penalty late in the first half rivalled his monster 61m penalty success at altitude in Pretoria during the Tri-Nations.
"I think by the way it just snuck over the crossbar it was near the end of my range. I was pretty pleased because I was not sure how it would go. I did tell the forwards to chase it in case it did fall short."
The All Blacks were keen to take all their shots at goal to keep their margin over England and maintain the pressure - even though their attitude was always one of attack.
Carter, last year's IRB player of the year, collected 26 points with a try, five penalties and three conversions in another of those dominating performances he is stringing together.
His tally yesterday has nudged him close to 500 points in 32 internationals.
WHAT THEY SAID
All Blacks coach Graham Henry
"There will be one or two players who played today who will play next week but the majority will be different.
I thought they [spectators] were outstanding, really, apart from singing that song during the haka, which I thought was questionable."
England head coach Andy Robinson
"Everyone knew it was a try. When it was disallowed it took a lot of wind out of our sails."
England captain Martin Corry
"We felt we had the capability to beat a very good All Blacks side. Our mistakes just let them in. We would cough up the ball just when we were putting them under pressure."
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw
"There were times when we were lacking in combinations and I know towards the end there were a few guys who didn't have a lot left."
All Blacks No 8 Chris Masoe on his yellow card
"It probably happened at the wrong time. The ref wasn't happy and I was the unlucky one. He refs the game and we can't argue with him."
