Marshall: I proved a point

Justin Marshall bade farewell to his home patch of the last nine years with praise for Northern Hemisphere rugby, a text message from rival George Gregan and his test debut on his mind.

Marshall's 79th test was his last game at Jade Stadium, where he has ruled the roost with the Crusaders since the Super 12 began.

He was the ideal man to have behind the outstanding All Black pack who dominated the Lions. The vile elements were tailor-made to Marshall's strong, extra loose forward style.

And the 31-year-old, whose 24 tries are a test record for an All Black halfback, made it clear where the kudos should sit after the game.

He recalled that his test debut, the second international against France in Paris in 1995, was also Laurie Mains' last match as All Black coach.

"I played behind an absolutely dominant forward pack then," he said. "And tonight they laid a fantastic platform. It could have been a difficult night for me but it wasn't because of what was done up front.

"I'm thrilled with the way they played. It made my job a hell of a lot easier."

Marshall said the All Blacks had had to learn from the set-piece work of the leading Northern Hemisphere teams. At Jade Stadium, it became obvious early that those lessons had been absorbed.

Having been jibbed over the All Blacks' perceived weaknesses in the pack did not ruffle his team-mates, he added.

"It didn't really get under our skin because they [Northern Hemisphere] have always been strong in that area, so they should say that.

"We've made real progress in terms of operating with good set-piece ball."

Marshall suggested the All Blacks have now proved they can contest the tight-forward issues against bigger opponents.

"We've shown we are able to compete, now it's a mental thing. They are big forwards, but it's all a myth now we've shown we can do it.

"It's a matter now of getting consistency in that area and we're certainly heading in the right direction."

Earlier in the week, Marshall had received a text message from his formidable Australian rival Gregan.

"He said don't be surprised if half the crowd are going to be Lions supporters," Marshall said. "George said they'd got a real shock last time [in 2001] and it made me aware that might be the case. But that was the best atmosphere I've ever played in, absolutely fantastic."

And having again held off his close rival Byron Kelleher, which became a contentious topic in the latter stages of the Super 12, Marshall took the chance to politely reiterate his point.

"I still thought my form in the Super 12 showed I was in good nick. It was always going to be a decision based on who [the All Black selectors] thought would go out and do the job. I thought I did that. My form hasn't dropped off and I'll relish any other opportunities."

Which will no doubt come at Wellington's Cake Tin in the second test this Saturday night.