All Blacks: Jane shows his skills are far from plain

Cory Jane beats Australia's James O'Connor (R) and Drew Mitchell to gather the ball on his way to scoring. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Final Tri-Nations standings

With a nifty piece of skill, Cory Jane finally broke his test-tryscoring duck in the same Cake Tin corner where he was denied a try against France earlier this season.

The 26-year-old utility back jumped high over Wallaby fullback James O'Connor to claim an attacking All Black kick and then kicked out of a tackle from Drew Mitchell to plant the ball across the stripe.

"I was just trying to disrupt him," said Jane of his leap over O'Connor before he thought he might be run down in the run to the line.

"I worried I did not have the gas to get there but I think Drew was being nice to let me in."

Jane was being modest about the sort of skill his club coach Wayne Guppy lauded in the buildup to the test.

"We wanted to express ourselves and everyone seemed to be up for it," said the converted wing.

The All Blacks had used a simple plan. The forwards dominated the set piece and rucks while the backline was determined to get over the gain line to reconnect with their teammates.

"We trained well and instead of talking we walked it," Jane said.

His only concern after the game was a right hand which still felt numb and a sore Achilles tendon. He thought he could last the game with the damage but it had been better to allow Wellington teammate Hosea Gear on to the field to earn another cap.

Debut lock Tom Donnelly also suffered a bang on the knee but was ready to suit up for Otago in the national championship. Like most players after their first test, he remembered little of the experience but was satisfied with the remedial lineout work.

Blindsider Adam Thomson returned for his first start since the June international at Carisbrook where he played openside, in the absence of the injured Richie McCaw, and broke his hand.

Thomson's combination with McCaw and Kieran Read suited the pattern of this test and he was content his increased weight and power had given him extra confidence in his return to the international scene.

"I was asked about being physical and that's what I have been trying to bring to my game for the last couple of years now," Thomson said.

"Australia like to move the ball, they like to play rugby and you know that, so this test was all about being mobile and shutting them down. That style worked for the Wallabies against the Boks and that is the way they and us like to play."

Success in the loose forwards was all about feeling comfortable with the combinations.

McCaw was a supreme forager and very direct in his play which was a huge boost to himself and Read.

The All Blacks had varied their work and used the pick 'n go to good effect to stop the Wallabies fanning on defence. "We went back to basics," said Thomson.