British media put boot into All Blacks

All Black captain Richie McCaw in action against Samoa. Photo / Dean Purcell

The British press has quickly put the boot into the All Blacks after their messy display against Samoa in Apia, with ageing frontrowers Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock picked out for special attention.

The Daily Mail's Chris Foy said it was "hard to recall a match when the peerless Kiwis have spilled the ball so often."

Foy continued: "There was to be no fairytale for the home team...but the Pacific Islanders marked this historic event with a stirring display. For much of this encounter, the All Blacks were reduced to mere mortals, unfamiliar territory for a nigh-on invincible team."

Jeff Cheshire, in the Bleacher, said the All Blacks' intensity was lacking.

"Of course it was only the first hit out of the season and often the All Blacks do look rusty in these, but it is dangerous to put it all down to this.

"Whether the mobility of the tight five is still at the standard required is questionable...you do not see Keven Mealamu or Tony Woodcock getting around the field at anywhere near the speed they used to.

"When you are struggling for protection at the breakdown...you really have to question whether those two are still capable of doing that (getting to the rucks). Are these men being clung on to for too long."

The Guardian called the match a fizzer and described the All Blacks as poor, although listing the proximity to the Super Rugby final, hard ground and hot conditions as mitigating circumstances.

It said Dan Carter was the "maestro" who looked sharp, cementing his place as the World Cup No. 10.