John Drake: It was the winning start we wanted

Any worries about the All Blacks being rusty and lacking matchplay were swiftly put to bed against Wales.

In fact, right from the kickoff the All Blacks were pressing the Welsh in all areas and it was only the odd wrong decision and 50/50 offload that limited the score in the first half.

The dominant opening 20 minutes silenced the home crowd and deflated the Welsh players, who rely so much on passion at the Millennium Stadium.

While the backs scored the points, for me this victory was one for the forwards.

At the scrum, the All Blacks always had the initial hit. This is Carl Hayman's job at tighthead, but Neemia Tialata can be pleased with his technique and concentration on his debut. There was never any real doubt about his ability around the field, but at the scrum and lineout he contributed to his team gaining the upper hand.

Anton Oliver was sound at the throw-in, but more importantly Chris Jack and James Ryan upset the Welsh lineout and won five against the throw.

That was crucial in negating any chance Wales had for continuity and vital in allowing Dan Carter and co to dictate terms and territory.

At the breakdown, I thought the All Blacks were more physical in gaining at least six turnovers, slowing down the Welsh ball to a snail's pace and giving Byron Kelleher swift second phase.

That made Carter's afternoon very comfortable.

Chris Masoe does not have the finesse of Richie McCaw but his workrate and physicality goes well with Jerry Collins and Rodney So'oialo - so, like Tialata, he fitted well into the All Black machine.

On top of this forward domination, it was unfortunate for Wales that Carter was in the mood which gave Clive Woodward nightmares a few months ago.

What more can be said about this guy? He is brave, clever, accurate with mind and foot, fast and may still get better.

He has beaten Fergie McCormick's points record against Wales. Remembering the way McCormick liked to play, he'll be toasting Carter as not just a goalkicker but as a special player.

Tana Umaga took the ball up well and was industrious. He missed a vital tackle and may be vulnerable to the outside break, but he remains an inspiration and is not finished at this level yet.

Conrad Smith, Joe Rokocoko and Mils Muliaina looked for work, were composed and defended well when required.

As for Rico Gear, this was his best test. Why? Because he scored tries, and that, after all, is what a winger is supposed to do.

This test might give him the confidence to press on and he'll certainly make the selectors think hard on their wing options in the big games ahead.

What of Wales? They struggled at set piece and the breakdown, the backs from Nos 9 to 15 seemed a shade slower than their opposites.

They never gave up and maybe the half dozen injuries robbed them of the class needed to compete.

Frankly, even at full strength they were always going to struggle against an All Black team in this mood and form.

They will be better for the game, but will need to improve, otherwise Fiji could be a handful this week.

The All Black performance will have greatly pleased Graham Henry and his fellow selectors, but will also give them some pleasant headaches for future selections.

The team for Ireland will already have been decided. Those selected will really need to play well, and those rested will be comfortable in the grandstand next weekend with a view to gaining selection against England in a fortnight.

So we have just what we wanted after game one of this trip - a winning start, strong performance, encouraging displays by the new guys and real competition brewing for places.

* John Drake is a former All Black prop.