It was a defining game for both teams. The English, without a doubt an improving outfit who were finally beginning to show some mettle under the tutelage of Brian Ashton, had a point to prove with what was a strong touring outfit. 

However, they suffer from curious mismanagement. 

  • Why, after Ashton had finally shown some results as coach, was he sacked despite a come-from-nowhere World Cup result and a solid showing in the Six Nations? 
  • Why, despite his playing greatness, appoint Martin Johnson as team boss without having some back-up with coaching credentials? 
  • Why, oh why, send a team to the harshest of rugby landscapes, with the newly-appointed team manager unable to attend due to family reasons. 
  • And why have your director of rugby, Rob Andrew, serve as caretaker coach - the same man who had endorsed the old coach before sacking him and appointing a new manager who was unable to immediately take the reins?

New Zealand have suffered as a nation following their World Cup exit. Their corridors of power have made bumbling mistakes like their British counterparts. Graham Henry was re-appointed despite failing in a mission that was all consuming to him. Once selected, he and the NZRU claimed that it was all about the All Blacks record, not the World Cup result (something neither party had ever said before). 

This year Henry has made some truly stupid comments, first about his insulting non-selection remark after the great Jerry Collins retired; and most recently that it is the New Zealand public and not him who was obsessed with the World Cup.

Too often does our great game suffer from the ineptitude of its governors.

England, after having their scrum talked up immensely and fielding a full-strength team with the exception of Jonny Wilkinson and Danny Cipriani, should have been stronger opposition than the Irish, but after ten minutes of opening fury, were far from the top-five nation that they are. 

Realistically to score 20 points against the All Blacks was flattering (14 of them from against-run-of-play Topsy Ojo tries). Their scrum did not equal the New Zealand eight, and their backline was completely outplayed by a menacing All Black back line.  The one shining point for England was their loose-forward play, with Tom Rees having an outstanding game against the finest No.7 on the planet.

The All Blacks have now been undefeated at home for over five years – and proudly wield the world record for 28 consecutive home wins. On 2008 form, they appear to be the only team that will threaten the Springboks this year – and vice versa. 

The New Zealand pack were again brilliant, showing that they are probably the premier scrummagers of world rugby - although their lineout, so strong against Ireland was poor despite little pressure from the English. 

Led by Richie McCaw, heads and shoulders the finest openside in the world, the engine-room boys all had a strong game. But it is the backline that has so quickly come of age.  Dan Carter is again showing the form that have many regard him as the world’s best No.10.  But it is the midfield that is finally, post Tana Umaga, looking simply awesome.  

The combination of the power of Ma’a Nonu and the panache of Conrad Smith is looking menacing on all fronts. Gone is the weak defence and poor ball control of Nonu – and Smith looks to have more physical presence than he ever has. Early days, but their play not only complements the back three, but supports the running game of Carter magnificently.

England have it all to do in the second Test. Their pack showed that they could compete against the All Blacks in the early ferocious stages, but they must maintain it for the full 80 minutes.  They must have a coherent game plan. Charlie Hodgson offered precious little direction, and his defence on Carter was non-existent.

The pressure the All Blacks exerted on the Sale fly-half was terrorising - and it was the arrogance and confidence that the All Blacks found in the second and third quarter that killed England.

England could have come back stronger in the fourth quarter, but the coaching of their non-coach Andrew was poor. Why leave Matt Tait, their best running centre, on the bench - especially when the game opened up?  The Harlequins backs of Mike Brown and David Strettle were poor under the game plan; England were forward-orientated for a time, then tried to open the game up. No team can open up a game against the All Blacks and survive.

Stick to a game plan, exert forward pressure consistently, and at worst use the kicking game of Hodgson and Olly Barkley to at least keep the Black attack pinned back – and the English may at least keep the complete offensive game of New Zealand in check.

However, the 2008 vintage of the All Blacks look to be as menacing as ever – and while they will begin to turn their focus to the all important Tri Nations, they look to have far too strong an arsenal to fall to the English invasion.

First Test (Eden Park, Auckland): New Zealand 37 England 20. Scorers: NZ - Tries: Smith, Carter, Muliaina, Sivivatu, Cons - Carter 4, Pens - Carter 3. England - Tries: Ojo 2, Cons - Barkley 2, Pens - Barkley 2.

Second Test prediction: England to be aggressive for longer, but will again be outclassed by the Black backs. New Zealand to win by 10 points plus.