A marvellous exhibition of bone-rattling and brutally physical Test rugby was on display last weekend despite the showery and sodden conditions typical of the climate back in the land of the long white cloud.

But in spite of the tricky conditions, the All Blacks once again toppled the Springboks 19-8 to improve their march towards being the No.1 team in world rankings - again.

Throughout the week there was nothing but admiration and respect for the host nation as soon as the visitors hit the shores, with the traditional rivals only too happy to acknowledge the superiority of the All Black game that has been a dominant force for a very long time. One South African player even expressed disappointment that the world’s best flanker Richie McCaw would not be participating due to injury - and to rub it in, the coach also conceded the fact that “England may have invented the game but New Zealand perfected it”. Say no more.

There were heroic acts and commanding performances from the All Blacks, namely Ali Williams, Jerome Kaino and Rodney So’oialo, with Dan Carter once again prominent and Ma’a Nonu continuing his devastating form. But for me, Brad Thorn deserved recognition for an inspiring effort, not just for the rude-awakening thumping tackle on Springbok captain John Smit, where he inflicted corporal punishment for the niggling tactics Smit is well known for and the South African hooker consequently got a taste of his own medicine in a big way.

Sure, an all-in commotion ensued but the damage was already done, the South African leader succumbing to the resulted injury and leaving the field not long afterwards. Personally I believe his team’s chances went with him.

Thorn tackled himself to a standstill and more than made his presence felt in the set-piece, protecting the ball as if to say he was the lion entitled to his meal whereas the rest could only wait their turn, not to mention his power scrummaging. He was always an intimidating figure during his league days with the Brisbane Broncos and I for one am glad that we now have our own aggressive bully who is more than happy to roll up his sleeves and take control of the heavy stuff. It’s like the exciting case of Giant Zulu, the good guy who came to the rescue in the old wrestling days.

Unfortunately, Thorn copped a one-week suspension for his actions when he was cited by the match commissioner. Fortunately though, he will be back to face the Wallabies and we will definitely need him for that game.

So’oialo continues to elevate his stature within the team and he can hold his head up high for a job well done. It’s early days but this guy has been on the scene too long to even contemplate fooling around with crucial decision-making.

In all honesty, the way the forwards dominated the scrums and set-pieces, you’d think that McCaw was still out there playing as well. The “togetherness” So’oialo had voiced as one of the reasons for the team’s successful victory, was only exemplified with the manner of Kaino’s try. The backs were caught in the rucks during second-phase play doing the ‘dirty work’ and the forwards impressively filled in the backline to demonstrate their ball-handling skills and superb movement  - cleverly conducted by none other than Carter. Even a full-strength flamboyant French backline could only dream of such execution.

Pity that Kaino was cruelly robbed of a well-deserved second try at the latter stages which could have proved vital after brilliant lead-up work by Nonu. Kaino was ruled fractionally off-side and the technology was not required, which was ridiculous to say the least.

Sione Lauaki made a solid impact and can only get better the more game time he gets. Ditto Keven Mealamu, who is now becoming familiar with the role of playing second-fiddle. I would’ve preferred tough customer Jimmy Cowan to start this weekend’s second clash with the Boks, but Andy Ellis is still leading the race.

Thorn’s replacement Anthony Boric is rewarded for a great season with the Auckland Blues and John Afoa returns from injury, taking Greg Somerville out of the picture altogether.

With virtually the same line-up, the reign of ‘Henry II’ is set to rule the roost again providing the players don’t become too comfortable and complacent – it’s that simple. They are lifting their game in every outing and that can only spell trouble for all-comers.

The Springboks will bounce back but how far their spring takes them we will only know if the All Blacks play well below their best. And quite frankly, I just can’t see that happening.

Prediction: All Blacks by 17.