KEY POINTS:
Last week I expected England to give the All Blacks a real test, particularly up front.
To win the match England needed to dominate in the forwards. They started very well by getting greater numbers to the breakdowns and driving through the All Black lines. Their lineout was better than New Zealand's and the only area where they didn't do as well as expected was the scrum. The English backs lacked the organisation and physical presence of the ABs and suffered accordingly.
Tomorrow's test creates challenges for both teams. The All Black selectors have made four changes and two positional switches, stating that there was plenty of debate particularly over bringing in Richard Kahui for Conrad Smith.
Smith has revelled in consistent play with the Hurricanes and All Blacks. He is a heady player who complements those around him rather than dominating. Ma'a Nonu and the wings may miss his presence in Christchurch tomorrow night. Kahui has been on the selectors' radar for some time and but for injuries would probably have been used earlier. I hope he is not another "project" like Isaia Toeava - thrown in the deep end without enough game time at the level below tests.
Henry and Co will say they have little chance under the current structure to give the Kahuis of this world an opportunity other than in test matches. What a pity the New Zealand A and Juniors formats have been discarded as those are the places to blood up-and-comers and fringe players, not tests. The other alternative is to shuffle players between the All Blacks and the Maori team. I see Deans is doing something similar with Australia A and is resisting anything to do with rotation.
The other players rested have done nothing wrong, in fact Jerome Kaino seems to have quickly adjusted to the pace of test rugby. Last week's loose forward trio looked balanced and sharp. Rodney So'oialo is special - is there anything the guy can't do?
In saying that, I am looking forward to seeing what Adam Thomson has to offer at this level. My impression is he's got the mental attitude and fears very little. But how he reacts if the England forwards start to dominate the match will be interesting.
I am surprised Sione Lauaki has remained on the bench as his impact last week was not great. I have seen Lauaki play outstanding rugby, reading the game well and showing some very subtle touches to match his wrecking ball image. Alas his form is not consistent enough so he will need a big game when he gets his chance to retain the selectors' confidence.
The All Blacks lineout experts weren't happy with their own efforts nor the opposition's performance at Eden Park and have claimed illegal tactics. I thought the England tactics of closing down the All Blacks' space and sometimes adding an extra lifter was outstanding - the likes of Colin Meads, Andy Haden and Robin Brooke would have been chuffed to have done the same.
At scrum time both sides have moaned. The All Blacks claim the England team were time wasting and disruptive while England claim Neemia Tialata either didn't bind on Matt Stevens or did so illegally. Since rugby began, lineouts and scrums have usually been won by the team that manipulated the rules, referee and opposition to best effect.
Maybe both sides are trying to get the ear of this week's referee Jonathan Kaplan. Either way it will add spice to the set-piece battle tomorrow and may lead to some of the participants not seeing out the whole match. I expect England to be far more aggressive and stand their ground; equally the All Blacks will not want to be flogged again at lineout. Look out for some fireworks.
The England backline defence was very poor in Auckland. They have picked a midfield which won't leak like last week but will struggle to test the All Blacks defence. Mike Tindall may have some royal connections but sometimes he moves about as fast as the Queen Mary.
This is the last chance for players to impress before the Springboks arrive. England should not win this match but will be better than last week. How the All Blacks perform in the forwards may give some idea as to prospects in the Tri-Nations.
Finally, the spectator presence at Eden Park was outstanding and it seems a shame tomorrow's test will be played at a construction site. Recent sales for games in Dunedin, New Plymouth and Auckland seem to show the public's appetite for All Black rugby remains strong, so these matches should be played at stadiums with atmosphere.
