Latest from Rugby Analysis

Justin Marshall: Overseas refs get it horribly wrong

There were plenty of talking points from Saturday's international rugby, including the performance of Beauden Barrett and the workmanlike All Black victory.

Chris Rattue: Powder puff forwards make Aussies cannon fodder

Chris Rattue writes: Sorry Michael Hooper but you are wrong -your Wallabies are broken all right because the forwards are as bad as they've ever been.

Wynne Gray: Eden Park blitz eliminates Sydney's soggy stumble

Wynne Gray writes: We don't need to poke fun at the Wallabies, they did it themselves as they staggered under the weight of another All Blacks Bledisloe blitz.

Justin Marshall: Unsung heroes with a plan

It is time to give a bit of credit to the unsung heroes of Saturday night's outstanding victory - Steve Hansen, Ian Foster, Mike Cron, Mick Byrne and Nic Gill, writes Justin Marshall.

Richard Loe: Inconsistent refereeing spoiling spectacle

Was it just me or was Romain Poite like a traffic cop looking to book his quota of tickets with his yellow cards last night?

Justin Marshall: ABs don't have defeatist bone

Justin Marshall writes: This game won't be going down as a great All Black performance, but what happened at the end of the first test only enhanced my admiration for them.

Wynne Gray: Sheer bloody mindedness all that kept NZ in match

Sheer grit saved the All Blacks. A dash of aura, a Sydney shower-box and the Wallabies' inability to clinch the deal helped as well, writes Wynne Gray.

Chris Rattue: All Blacks are on the brink of crisis

The aftermath of the drawn test must include concerns that the ABs' World Cup retention campaign is showing too many flaws, writes Chris Rattue.

Opinion: Hansen's choice best for ABs

A lot has been made about Steve Hansen being a loyal selector. Which he is - but not blindly or to any individuals as is often suggested, writes Gregor Paul.

Wynne Gray: Test rugby the winner, thanks to England

The test series with England has been a big success. For that we must acknowledge the contribution of the visitors as much as the All Blacks.

Chris Rattue: Quiet tour shy of killer instincts

There is a lack of outright venom on the field, writes Chris Rattue. England have been strong yet failed to hammer home their advantages and been excruciatingly polite about it all.

Gregor Paul: Hansen right to back top combo

The old guard are back and it feels right. Still feels right five years after Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw and Kieran Read first played as a loose trio against Australia in Sydney.

Justin Marshall: Clever use of driving mauls a lethal weapon

The driving maul is one facet of play England have used extremely effectively in this June series.

Wynne Gray: Questions remain about attitude

The niggle continues even as the All Blacks continue their marvellous unbeaten stretch, writes Wynne Gray. It's not a complaint, more of a misgiving, a twinge about their ability to go the distance.

Justin Marshall: Experience better than new blood

Richie McCaw missed a tackle and England scored, writes Justin Marshall. That's not up for debate, but what I will argue against is the idea older players should be moved on before next RWC.

Wynne Gray: Rustiness and complacency no longer factors

Those who feel the errors were first-test blues found comfort in coach Steve Hansen's assessment that his staff had overloaded the group with too many ideas.

Justin Marshall: Vito in prime position to solve No 8 conundrum

The re-emergence of Victor Vito and the absence of Steven Luatua is an indication that the search for a world-class back-up to Kieran Read is on.

Chris Rattue: England Lite a poor match for ABs

The All Blacks 2014-style are the nearest thing to a shambles when compared to the glories of last year, writes Chris Rattue.