Gregor Paul: Clinical ABs too fast for Scots

Sonny Bill Williams was impressive in a man of the match performance. Photo / Getty Images

Herald on Sunday rugby writer Gregor Paul is providing post-match analysis after every All Blacks' match during their Grand Slam tour.

This high tempo rugby lark is catching on - the Scots gave it a hurl this morning and as game as they were, found out the All Blacks are a long way ahead in this brave new world.

The clinical efficiency that was the hallmark of the All Blacks' early Tri Nations form stormed back in Edinburgh. The Scots spent plenty of time with the ball, protected it and moved it with passion and enterprise, but the All Blacks gave them a punishing reminder that movement has to be crisp and direct.

While the Scots were lateral, the All Blacks went forward with purpose. While the Scots worked through multiple-phases, the All Blacks made lightning strikes.

There had to be some sympathy for the hosts - they don't encounter teams like the All Blacks in this part of the world. They don't see skills like those possessed by Sonny Bill Williams who was so much more comfortable at 12 than he was at centre.

His offloading was relentless and the All Blacks could run everything off him. The first try was virtually unstoppable - Kieran Read popped to Jimmy Cowan from a close range scrum and Williams crashed on, his giant arms releasing through the melee for Hosea Gear to cruise under the sticks.

It was a puzzler for Scotland - a serious worry for everyone else in world rugby. It just didn't seem like there was any way this try could have been prevented. The tackle was made on Williams but that's not enough. Double team him and the space for everyone else is greater.

When Isaia Toeava scorched up the wing after turnover ball had been snaffled and passed inside to Dan Carter, the All Blacks were 14-3 up after 12 minutes and their confidence was back.

The passes were sticking. The angles of running were sharper and the element of frustration, casualness and inaccuracy that dogged the All Blacks in stints in both London and Hong Kong was gone.

Some of the skill, delayed passing and pace was excellent. The All Blacks in this mood would have damaged any side in world rugby. The Scots used the ball, they took risks and when they inevitably made mistakes, the All Blacks pounced.

There was space for Dan Carter to exploit. His sharpness was evident, his subtle touches were more frequent and he gave the ship all the direction it needed.

After Mils Muliaina claimed his second early in the second half to make it 35-3, things were threatening to turn ugly. Thoughts turned towards this being a record defeat - only for, firstly the record books to show the visitors would need to just about double their score; and secondly for the All Blacks to empty their bench, which, as usual took some of the flow and sting out of the game.

The All Blacks only managed two more tries but they were superbly taken. They are back, playing with that swagger that went missing for a few tests.

Ireland should be worried. Ma-a Nonu should be worried - Williams was the man of the match, his talent and impact almost impossible to resist.