Testing times ahead in Christchurch

Monday 16th June 2008

Now that the dust has settled on a considerably one-sided first Test in the late-night lights of Auckland, what can be taken from the procession that was New Zealand versus England?

In the end, the result was never in doubt - barring the tourists' brief bright opening - as one witnessed that physical brute force can be smartly nullified with slick and clinical rugby.

Yes, the men in white notched a respectable two tries and twenty points against their imperious hosts, but let's face facts, it was a brace of very opportunistic debutant scores with sustained attacking threats tough to recall as the Kiwis cut loose in a 37-20 win.

Some would say that the Auckland aftermath has been as predictable as ever with supposed downtown boozing reported involving tour casualty Andrew Sheridan, which has been sarcastically laughed off by Tour Manager Rob Andrew.

Yet it was Andrew who sparked the opening post-match debate as early as 50 minutes into the clash after pulling Charlie Hodgson from the wreckage due to apparent defensive frailties.

Of course the red rose, and indeed the spectacle, would have significantly benefited from pitting Danny Cipriani against the other DC at pivot, but has Hodgson been made a scapegoat?

Travelling across the southern hemisphere, it was a weekend of widely expected home wins in which Ireland and Wales gave as good as they got.

However, what made the All Blacks', Australia's and South Africa's results all the more depressing for the tourists was the fact that they haven't played under the 'old rules' all season.

What a kick in the teeth for the NH trio.

Anyway, returning to England's efforts and being conscious not to jump on the typical bandwagon after losses Down Under, there were several plus points to add a little gloss in defeat.

Tireless Wasps man Tom Rees is maturing very quickly into a quality international seven with fellow flank James Haskell also bedding down nicely in his respective jersey - surely the 2011 pairing either side of a tbc at eight.

However, the former may find a blank wall where his shirt should be hung pre-game in Christchurch this Saturday if Andrew's Richie McCaw comments are to be taken seriously.

The New Zealand skipper has been slammed by Martin Johnson's seat-warmer for alleged persistent infringing on England's side at the breakdown during the Eden Park game - Andrew said he would give McCaw a white shirt so he could blend in better on england's side of the breakdown.



By Adam Kyriacou