Richard Loe: Athletic strength too much for rivals

A fine win by the All Blacks - even if it wasn't one of the great test matches - and for me the overwhelming sense from this game was another illustration of how these All Blacks are athletes and their opponents aren't.

With both Wales and Ireland we've seen opponents who, in body shape and execution, are not the honed athletes that the All Blacks are and neither do they have the athletic ability to use the ball as well.

I know this is the start of the Northern Hemisphere season but I still think the Irish and the Welsh have really been found wanting in terms of athleticism and expression.

The Irish were exposed in those areas from the front row right out to the wings.

I thought the Irish No 8 Denis Leamy was the only forward who really competed with the All Blacks at their level and Gordon D'Arcy in the backs.

For the All Blacks I thought Tony Woodcock was pretty much the man of the match.

He gave big John Hayes a torrid time in the scrums and when you see a forward like Woodcock getting around the paddock that well, you know he's having a good scrum day.

I was a bit surprised the Irish chose Hayes. Maybe they have a bit of a propping crisis or something but he was badly exposed on the Lions tour and the All Black scrum paved the way for their dominance.

Woodcock was well supported by Keven Mealamu, who I think should win the hooking berth against England, and Ali Williams took on the role of senior lock and dominated the lineouts pleasingly.

Of the new boys Jason Eaton did very well but he competed well and nicked one or two, was solid at the kick-offs and showed the athleticism I am talking about. He once got out there to run down a winger and for a guy who wasn't even playing first division NPC last year and who hasn't played Super 12 I think he'll be quietly happy.

John Afoa did well - he took 20 minutes to get into it - but soon settled down. If you come off after your debut and say you did your job you can be satisfied.

Nick Evans ran things well, didn't try too much that was flashy, and kicked beautifully. Again look at him and Irish first-five Ronan O'Gara and you can see the athletic deficiency. Evans always looked dangerous with the ball in hand but O'Gara looked hesitant and took the wrong options and really only looked comfortable when kicking the ball.

Doug Howlett looked in great nick when scoring his two tries and though Sitiveni Sivivatu got two as well, he had a reasonably quiet match in comparison. I'd say it's between Howlett, Joe Rokocoko and Rico Gear for the England test.

The only other question mark re selction for England is at halfback. Piri Weepu had a strong game - he really looked in control of things and he could push Byron Kelleher very hard for Twickenham.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY