Looking back on the All Blacks Northern tour.
All Blacks vs USA
104- 14 against the American Eagles. One has to assume that this was a revenue raising exercise from the All Blacks point of view. However, it is probable that the USA Rugby Union valued the publicity to raise the profile of their game.
All Blacks vs Wales
54- 16 against Wales. There is no doubt the All Blacks were the better team on the day and deserved to win. However, bear in mind that Wales were severely weakened - partly due to injuries but also, more frustratingly, by clubs not having to release first choice players.
All Blacks vs Italy
47-9 against Italy. This is the game that should have triggered the alarm bells in the All Black camp. The final score line looks comfortable but - Italy have won one Six Nations game in the last six years. The All Blacks performance was awful and should have raised serious questions about how they would cope with the two much more serious opponents to come.
All Blacks vs Ireland
20-29 against Ireland. The All Blacks discovered they were unable to cope and were beaten by a better side.
All Blacks vs France
25-40 against France. Basically a repeat of the Ireland game. The wider All Black squad has plenty of talented players but there is work to be done to meld the best of them into the most effective side.
