20 - 41.

At least you knew who Anthony Allen was.

I know you will be gracious in victory

Aftermathman.

screaming fans filled Twickenham Stadia Sunday for the much awaited international Rugby clash between the mighty All Blacks (NZ) and the current World Champions and World Cup Holders England. The world wide audience watching this game was staggering.

Both teams looked rusty early on as the All Blacks had not played for six weeks and England had only their local rugby competitions to rely on for form. I thought England played the first 20 minutes brilliantly and had ample ball possession. How desperately unlucky were you guys in not being awarded that first try after 5 minutes. The try was legitimate and how the TM missed that will remains one of life’s mysteries.

Still England went over for three tries, and if the first one had of been given it would have made the final score more respectable. Dan Carter had another dream game. That penalty kick from inside his own half just before half time was absolutely stunning. The Carl Hayman try just on half time, started from inside their own 22, and from a defensive position, went through eight pairs of All Black hands, had the whole of New Zealand erupting from Cape Reinga to Bluff. It was still only 5.15am Monday morning down here, but that brilliant All Black try changed the match as the All Blacks jumped out to a significant led.

The final score 41 to 20.....we did not expect that scoreline.

Now it's on to Maseille, Lyon, and Paris and two games against the French. Bring it on. Can't wait

GO HARD RUGBY
GO HARD ALL BLACKS

you don't want to meet the All Blacks.

The simple fact is your guys are bigger, stronger, faster and more creative football players than anyone else in the world.

Dan Carter is a legend, outscoring the entire English team singlehandedly, kicking, running, passing, just no discernible weakness. As for our number 10, we have never really replaced Jonny Wilkinson.

As for England, we need to look to the world cup after this one. We have talents, Ryan Lamb (at 10), Anthony Allen, Matt Tait, etc, but these guys are out of their depth at present against the best. I worry for the lack of creativity in the forwards.

Anyway Howard, lets settle down for the game between the best 2 teams in the world, (your match vs France). From memory you owe them for a bit of a pasting they gave you and with France hosting the world cup you guys need to put out your best to make a statement.

France are an excellent team with very exciting backs and traditionally strong scrummaging forwards, should be one hell of a match.

GO HARD ALL BLACKS (at least vs France )

Aftermathman.

Aftermathman,

France have not beaten us since that diabolical shambles in the world cup semi final in 1999. Sadly that is the match that sticks in our phsyche as we prepare for this weekends international in Lyon. Last year we belted the French in Paris with a similar score line to last Saturdays international against England. Since 1999 we have won convincingly four zip.

There is no doubt the French will be tough on their home turf, and as you say they have a formidable forward pack, and their backs, on their day can be destructive, unpredictable, and scintilating for any oppossing team.

Graham Henry has made 11 changes to the team that played England last Sunday. It should be a cracker.

Good luck to you guys for your game against Argentina. Last year Argentina gave us a fright in Bueness Aires and we only snuck home by six points.

GO HARD ALL BLACKS

next door to you who France beat. See, I am now inventing my own reality where England will win the world cup and the sun never sets on her majesty's lands. How much better that world would be

Aftermathman.

are free Aftermathman. England may win the world cup if they can quickly clone your winning 2003 side. And then it still would be a stretch as todays teams are faster, stronger, healthier. On their day any team from the top six nations have a chance. This time next year we will know one way or the other.

GO HARD ALL BLACKS/SCIENCE