KEY POINTS:
It's hard to believe this was the same All Black team which stuttered and stumbled in Sydney only seven days before. The turnaround was incredible in every way, from tactics and attitude to execution.
Every player distinguished himself and there must be special praise to the coaching staff. I think we all knew the team would play with more commitment and precision than they did last week, and maybe grind out a tough victory, but not even Graham Henry would have dreamed the performance would be so dominant.
Circumstances leading into the match ensured the All Backs would be up for the game and maybe it will be difficult to repeat the mental edge match after match. What this team can repeat, however, is the clarity of the tactics and execution.
This victory was built on the basic rugby this country has produced for more than a century: It was won up front by dominant tight forwards. Set pieces and the breakdown were owned by Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock, Greg Somerville, Ali Williams and Brad Thorn. This meant the loose forwards played with confidence.
Jimmy Cowan had a comfortable night and Daniel Carter had so much time he seemed to have the rugby ball on a string. The rest followed suit and the Wallabies were smashed.
Richie McCaw is a great player but on Saturday he may have become a great leader. He constantly rallied the troops and kept the referee up to date with what the Aussies were doing - almost in the Sean Fitzpatrick class. Rodney So'oialo and Jerome Kaino enjoyed the opportunity to renew themselves with familiar positions.
Phil Waugh was damaged early and the Aussie threat at the breakdown was lost - as was their confidence at lineouts, the All Blacks attacking and winning eight against the throw.
I certainly hope these tactics will become the norm for this All Black side. Sure, it's nice to attempt the perfect game of total rugby but not many Kiwis will argue that simple and direct rugby based on forward dominance and territory control beats flashy 80-metre tries.
The next test in South Africa will be difficult but I believe McCaw's All Blacks have set a standard which could take them to consistent greatness.
What of the Wallabies? No one would have got close to the All Blacks on Saturday and they will recover from this thrashing.
Before the match, much was made of their new guys not having any baggage; no fear of the All Blacks. Those Aussies will never forget this match and the home side's performance has gone some way to restoring the black aura of times past.
