KEY POINTS:
For many, the NZRL's double attack on the British judiciary and appointment of the referee for this morning's test seemed bizarre but it could be shrewd.
While some believe it was an attempt to generate a crowd, it could also have been designed to divert attention from such issues as the 58-0 thrashing by Australia, sex allegations and Gary Kemble's difficulties.
Labelling Great Britain prop Adrian Morley "a maniac" and accusing the RFL of not caring about player welfare after Morley was cleared of a high tackle charge, as well as complaining about the appointment of referee Tony Archer, gave something for league folk to talk about.
Crucially, it gave the Kiwis breathing space.
NZRL chairman Andrew Chalmers has become experienced in fighting fires in his 12 months in charge - few blazes are bigger than Grannygate - and he withstood challenges to top spot at the boardroom table.
But he's not averse to the role of arsonist from time to time.
This morning's test was extremely important for everyone involved with the Kiwis, not least of all Kemble.
You can't help but feel sympathy for the likeable coach. The quality of players unavailable because of injury and suspension is apparent and that's not counting the trio of campaigners who have retired.
New Zealand doesn't have enough depth without Sonny Bill Williams, Benji Marshall, Nathan Cayless, David Kidwell, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, David Fa'alogo, Krisnan Inu, Luke Covell, Steve Matai, Brent Webb, Motu Tony and Iosia Soliola, while the merits of Ruben Wiki, Stacey Jones and Nigel Vagana are without question.
Instead, Kemble has inherited a relatively young and inexperienced bunch. There is some great talent but the number of absentees is hard to ignore.
While the number of Kiwis recruited by NRL clubs has skyrocketed and bodes well for the future, they don't look like they will be ready for next year's World Cup in Australia.
Kemble knows he has some firepower for that tournament but people will immediately judge him on whether he can deliver a series victory against Great Britain.
It's vital for the tour that they got off to a good start this morning because some players aren't convinced about Kemble.
They went into the match riding the momentum created by the All Golds but the Kiwis are now on their own.
Of course, adversity can often bring out the best in people and the team were focused on beating the odds this morning. Chalmers was trying to give them more of a chance of doing that.
