KEY POINTS:
The All Blacks were just too good, too athletic, too physical for an England team which had come to play but were, nevertheless, no match in broken, open play.
New Zealand will be pleased with the 41-20 win as a tour opener. But the side will be mindful that there were gaps in their play which allowed England to run in three tries.
As the All Blacks head to France, they will be looking at their organisation on defence. There were too many gaps, too many people out of alignment at times.
Still, this side remains far too strong in its option-taking for England at the moment.
While the English intent was there, they never looked comfortable running at pace with the ball. Once away from the close quarter confrontation in which they traditionally revel, they were out of their comfort zone.
Daniel Carter had a great game, notching up 26 points. Keven Mealamu, Keith Robinson, Byron Kelleher and the ever-present Richie McCaw were also stand-outs.
The All Black lineout was smart in its option-taking and the scrum was particularly strong.
But questions will be asked now whether some players, especially Ma'a Nonu, did enough to show they can foot it at this level.
So, overall: An interesting, worthwhile start to this tour, but not a matchless one.
