All Blacks leave it late; NZ Herald

Gregor PaulGregor Paul is the Herald on Sunday's rugby writerAll Blacks leave it late9:22 PM Saturday Jun 7, 2014

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All Blacks 20 England 15
Even by first game of the season standards, this was an ugly, wart-ridden test that had a save-all redeeming feature in that the the All Blacks won it.

Victory, however it comes, is still victory and winning breeds confidence; winning matters as long as the All Blacks don't convince themselves they can play with such inaccuracy and escape again.

This win at the death thing really is becoming their bag. This wasn't quite Dublin, but wasn't far off. At 15-all, and with a kickable penalty in front of the sticks, was Aaron Cruden inspired or guilty of madness when he tapped and took off?

His bravery, if it was indeed that, created the opportunity for the All Blacks to scrum five out and work Conrad Smith into the corner to win the game.

On balance, it was probably a bit harsh on England that they took nothing on the night. They gave, unquestionably, all they had and it was plenty and on another night, with a bit of luck and bit of this and a bit of that ... maybe.

Yeah, it was a sloppy game for the ABs & we managed to get a win with dis-jointed play. 
Too close for comfort but we got the first game out of the way. We are reminded of what happens of you don't prepare well (or don't have enough time to do so). Great wake up call.
Kaino did well for his first outing as and AB in years &  in a new position.

 Thanks JW I do hope ou 3 I Q reads thsi as its what I have been saying. The heading should really have been "ref leaves it late" as it is very clear the unequal treatment dished out favoured the wee abs with a yellow and that won the game for nz.

 

 nz herald only ones saying england are crap and this jw isn't he a pom. Yea not a good game but hey can only get better gives Hansen a better idea of where his players are at. Next test will see a number of changes and tactics. AB kicking game was a joke Dagg and Cruden's tactics were just wrong kicking it straight to talented players is not a good approach to secure a needed try in this test. The forwards also need some serious attention not securing the ball at the breakdowns and allowing the poms to slow the game down, Backs are not effective and struggled to break the line missed 15 tackles is not good.