Anyway, again, the score not a real indication of the game.  Like the Welsh test, where the All Blacks were streets ahead, the score, despite being the score, was not a real indication of how dominant a side was.   It is just so damn tough to score points these days with defence being the king of everything.  FIve years ago both those matches would have been won 50-20 sort of thing.  I though, don't mind the low scoring, but I would like to see perhaps a few more tries scored in these games, and a few less penalties!

It was an interesting match though, the All Black scrum looked out of sorts at times, especially when the Cave Troll Thompson came on late in the game to replace that Kiwi born wanna-be tough guy Hartley, but still dominated when it counted.  I think having two props whose bellies touched the ground when they bent over is a tactic that the English might not want to try again.  If that is the cream in their crop, it's a farking lean year...

That was pretty enjoyable though, Hartley and his fellow fat thugs in the front row 'bringing back the biff'.  But trying to be tough is a lot different to actually being tough.  Tony Woodcock is tough, Brad Thorn is tough, Victor Matfield and Bakkes Botha are tough.  Hartley, Payne and Bell are wannabes - at this stage in their careers anyway.  As per usual though, it didn't work, and it probably never will in the professional game, the All Blacks took their medicine, didn't react too badly, and won the battle that counted - on the scoreboard.

Speaking of fat props, and the way rugby players are getting bigger and bigger, an interesting thought from All Black trainer Nic Gill, and another from ALl Black captain McCaw, both deserving mention, before I slate the Pom selectors for their 'bigger is better' selection policies.

No, slate first, quote, or paraphrase, later.  That big tall, goofy winger with the skill set of a retarded paraplegic giraffe on downers, Banahan.  Sure he's 6'7", and bigger than most international locks, and he may be able to run fast.  But a few basics, like catching the ball, passing the ball, picking the ball up, would being him much closer to an international footballer than he is now...  And then that big black second five, the one who I noticed for the first time when he was walking off getting replaced, bigger is better?  not when you look and see the impact his replacement made in his short time on the field!  Add in the fat props, and what the hell have you got, the English rugby team.  It must be hell right about now to be an English rugby supporter...

Anyway, Gill the trainer.  He was talking about how five years ago All Black tight forwards carried a bit of excess flab here and there, but now, to a man, they are all lean (the 'to a man' would have to be Tialata, as he said that one of the All Black tighties struggle with bodyfat, and goutboy would have to be the one).  He went on to say something that carrying fat around the field is just excess luggage that does not help anyone at all - will just fatigue you faster.  So those bellies that the Pom's props were carrying around aren't helpful at all, except in the boat races after training... 

And then there is McCaw, talking about weight training. Somthing along the lines that, "my argument to people who say you should be stronger is that, maybe the first five or 10 minutes when everyone's fresh, it might be an advantage, but after 60 minutes when I'm still getting there and beating the other guys that's when you have more of an influence".  That is beautiful.  And that is why monsters will never rule the game, they might smash a few heads for the ten minutes they can move about the field, but after that - McCaw is the man - fitness and being three steps ahead of Mr Musclehead.

But what does the above have to do with the win over the Poms, nothing, but there is nothing much to write about from the Pom test, so a bit of digression never hurt anyone!

All Blacks to play well - all of them really.  Maybe Cowan was a bit useless at times, and Carter did not have a vintage hit out, with either his general play or kicking.  Other than that, everyone earned their crusts this week.

Players to stand out this week, there were a few.  The back three were all class.  Mils looking imperious at fullback, and chancing his arm on the counter more, which was great to see.  He was ably supported by Sivivatu (how can anyone think he is not the top winger in New Zealand, if not the world be sane?), and new chum Zac Guildford.  I would love to see these three given more space from set pieces (and Corey Jane), as that seems to be the only phase of the game where you would be able to manipulate defenders and force some gaps in defensive lines.  We can but hope.  But all three dangerous with ball in hand and seriously quick.

The midfield stood out for the stonewall defence as much as anything.  Mind you, the Poms did not throw too much at them but for crash and bash, and any midfield worth there salt will keep knocking them down if they keep coming straight at them!  Smith though, the general here, running the show, marshalling the defenders, and leading the way with text book tackles.

Up front, Andrew Hore back to his best, or near to it, while McCaw keeps on keeping on being the best player in the world, in any jersey number.  Brad Thorn the heart of the All Black pack and engine room solid as per usual, and winning lineout's too, which is always nice to see with the slating he gets about that part of his game!

Of the Poms, there was some good play from the men in white, Moody at seven was everywhere all day, and played a top match, Cueto at fullback was solid too, other than that though, all I could see was props with fat guts!

Another tick in the win column though, and that is what test rugby is all about, be it 3-0 or 19-6, a win is what you want, and is what the All Blacks got.

Unlike the Aussies.  Against SCOTLAND. 

ON that happy note, roll on France!