John Drake: Great game, great result - but we can do better

With a convincing win and scoreline that may have flattered the Springboks, I wonder if things can get much better for this batch of All Blacks.

The rotation policy also appears to be paying off. The injuries to Greg Somerville, Chris Masoe and Leon MacDonald were well covered.

But the scrum was not allowed the dominance of previous matches, and Isaia Toeava still seems to need more rugby at levels other than test matches so he can come to understand the pace and pressures of the game.

After a very average start - particularly from superstars Richie McCaw and Daniel Carter - the All Blacks showed confidence in their game plan and the ability to squeeze the opposition to such a degree that the Boks looked naive on attack and pathetic in defence.

A couple of the All Black touchdowns were made with not a Springbok in sight.

The precision of their attack was as efficient as the cover defence of the Springboks was clueless.

A couple of late South African tries will allow their management to look for positives, but the game already belonged to the All Blacks, who scored the last points just to show which team was in control.

Areas of concern? The first 15 minutes, when unforced errors were made by players who should know better.

The likes of France and England at the end of the year may not be as charitable if given such an early lead.

The first Springbok try reminded me of errors we have seen at previous World Cup semifinals - something from nothing when we appeared to have control.

The lineout problems continued. Sure the Springboks crowded our space without comment from the referee, but losing at least eight throw-ins cannot continue.

Things got better when Chris Jack, Keven Mealamu and Jerry Collins appeared.

The finger may be pointed at Anton Oliver again, but I suspect others may need to share the blame.

The simplicity of throw and jump seen at Eden Park just a week before was replaced by the familiar multiple movements of lifters, jumpers and blockers which usually ended in chaos and lost possession.

Carter started badly by his standards, but such is his mental toughness these days that 25 minutes into the match he had the game on a string.

His kicking from hand and for goal, running and defence were all superb. Have we seen such a complete player in the modern era?

Outside him, I really enjoyed the growing maturity of Luke McAlister. Aaron Mauger is still probably our best No 12, but McAlister is now past being just a promising player for the future.

Mils Muliana again showed that no matter what position he plays, the coolness, attacking running lines and defensive organisation remain. Rico Gear and Sitiveni Sivivatu now seem to have maturity to match their explosive raw talent.

Piri Weepu was handed some rubbish ball from lineout and scrum, but was able to cope with most of it.

The All Black forwards battled against abrasive opponents. It was a niggly match, with a fair bit of stuff off the ball.

This All Black team should be too good and too smart to get bogged down with these sideshows.

Ali Williams is easily sucked into distractions, and should worry about winning the odd lineout rather than being the team sheriff.

The recall of Reuben Thorne was a success, although I would like to see him used more at lineouts. His leadership and coolness must have been a great help to McCaw when things weren't going quite to plan.

I will be interested to see which All Black team appears next weekend. For me, roll out the best and try to belt the Boks again.

Most of these players will get a good rest after this weekend, so treat it like a World Cup final.

Graham Henry says we have yet to see this batch play to their full potential. On yesterday's performance, it is hard to figure how good this team could be, or how bad the Springboks are.

I suspect a fair bit of both, which is great for us, but scary for South African coach Jake White.