I only got to watch the last 2/3 of the game but really enjoyed it. There was some terrific defense from both sides, but esp the Poms
The game was what it was...I enjoyed it even though everything everyone is saying has an element of truth.
What I liked about the fumbles & seemingly incessant turnovers due to handling errors by both teams was the alacrity both sides (but in particular Harris) pounced on the loose ball or the opportunity to attack again.
The defence was immense by both sides - something that forced those errors. None of it was pretty but A+ for intensity.
The Kiwis will improve for the 3rd test, and I expect England will as well however I think the Kiwis have more improvement in them than England.
The first test was always going to be an anomaly...playing a game 4 days after a long-haul flight would knacker most & it did. The 8 days prior to the first test should have been spent by the Kiwis recovering from the game & intensified jetlag - getting prepared for a side that showed its mettle in the 4 Nations at Forsyth-Barr in Dunedin instead of a trip to France (bus, another flight, bus etc). It all showed when the Kiwis ran out of steam.
This game they played the 80 and were able to withstand the sometimes directionless opposition (matched by the Kiwis') and to contain the short 10 metres each side got throughout the game.
The Kiwis will prepare for the 3rd test and if they lose it will be because England have realised they have to do more than what they have shown thus far imo - the right plan to take advantage of or make the most of the Kiwis' inexperience in the halves...
Looking forward to the battle
