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The Cook Cup / June Test 2016 / Australia v England / Brisbane

 The Cook Cup is displayed during the International Test match between the Australian Wallabies and England at Suncorp Stadium on June 11, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia.

(June 10, 2016 - Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 England's resurgence under Eddie Jones gained traction with a breakthrough 39-28 win over the Wallabies to open the three-test series against the Rugby World Cup finalists on Saturday.

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 Israel Folau of the Wallabies attempts to break away from the defence during the International Test match between the Australian Wallabies and England at Suncorp Stadium on June 11, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia.

(June 10, 2016 - Source: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Michael Hooper of Australia wins the lineout from Maro Itoje during the International Test match between the Australian Wallabies and England at Suncorp Stadium on June 11, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia.

(June 10, 2016 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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England rallied from 10-0 down to lead 19-13 at halftime, taking advantage of a 9-2 penalty count and swooping on an Australian backfield error for its only first-half try.

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 James Haskell of England breaks with the ball during the International Test match between the Australian Wallabies and England at Suncorp Stadium on June 11, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia.

(June 10, 2016 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 Rory Arnold of the Wallabies competes with Mark Itoje of England in a maul during the International Test match between the Australian Wallabies and England at Suncorp Stadium on June 11, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia.

(June 10, 2016 - Source: Matt King/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 David Pocock of the Wallabies is tackled during the International Test match between the Australian Wallabies and England at Suncorp Stadium on June 11, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia.

(June 10, 2016 - Source: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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England could clinch its first series win in Australia with victory in Melbourne next week. The third test is set for Sydney on June 25.

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 Tevita Kuridrani of the Wallabies scores a try during the International Test match between the Australian Wallabies and England at Suncorp Stadium on June 11, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia.

(June 10, 2016 - Source: Matt King/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Bernard Foley of the Wallabies has this try disallowed during the International Test match between the Australian Wallabies and England at Suncorp Stadium on June 11, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia.

(June 10, 2016 - Source: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Pool A - Wales 28 - England 25

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 A resounding comeback from Wales helped them secure a 28-25 win over Rugby World Cup hosts England at Twickenham on Saturday.

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 Geoff Parling of England and Bradley Davies of Wales compete for lineout ball during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium on September 26, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 25, 2015 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)

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George North of Wales is tackled by Jonny May of England during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium on September 26, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 25, 2015 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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Owen Farrell of England is tackled by Taulupe Faletau and Alun Wyn Jones of Wales during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium on September 26, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 25, 2015 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

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England v Fiji

Jonny May of England is tackled by Metuisela Talebula of Fiji during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between England and Fiji at Twickenham Stadium on September 18, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 17, 2015 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe) 

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England vs Fiji - 2015 Rugby World Cup Opener Highlights
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England 28 - Springboks 31 / Twickenham

Merchandise goes on sale prior to kickoff during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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Fans arrive prior to kickoff during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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 Mike Brown of England is tackled by Victor Matfield of South Africa during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: David Cannon/Getty Images Europe)

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 Brad Barrit of England dives over to score a try during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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Match Report / Planet Rugby

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Emerging on top in a physical, flawed tussle, the Springboks rebounded from defeat in Dublin to win 31-28 at Twickenham.

South Africa's issues against Ireland were well documented but there was no arrogance at Twickenham, just trademark power and commitment in defence in a brutal battle. They weren't perfect by any stretch, but got the job done.

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 Danny Care of England is tackled by Jan Serfontein of South Africa during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: David Cannon/Getty Images Europe)

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 Dave Attwood of England is tackled by Victor Matfield (L) and Duane Vermeulen (R) of South Africa during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: David Cannon/Getty Images Europe)

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Man of the Match: Outstanding at the breakdown, Marcell Coetzee won a number of penalties.

Moment of the Match: The line-out England shouldn't have had. From it Ben Morgan drove over to level the game up at 20-20.

Villain of the Match: Was it the right call? Dylan Hartley's yellow card will split opinion but his careless action could have been avoided.

Planet Rugby / Match Report

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 Mike Brown of England is tackled by Willie Le Roux of South Africa during the QBE Intenational match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 15, 2014 in London, England.

(November 14, 2014 - Source: David Cannon/Getty Images Europe)

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next test:

22 Nov

Itally v S.A

• Stadio Euganeo

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England v Samoa

• Twickenham

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All Blacks shine at Twickenham / Hillary Shield

Jonny May of England goes over to score the opening try during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

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England 21 New Zealand 24: Stuart Lancaster's side undone by All Blacks' formidable second-half showing

England vs New Zealand, QBE series match report – Second-half tries by Richie McCaw and Charlie Faumuina and a penalty by Beauden Barrett secure fifth successive victory over England

by Steve James / The Telegraph

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 Chris Robshaw of England leads his team into the ground as they arrive for the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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 Teams line up for the National Anthems ahead of the QBE International betwen England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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 Israel Dagg of New Zealand is tackled by Semesa Rokoduguni of England with Kieran Read in support during the QBE International betwen England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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Same old, same old, sadly. England put in a brave performance against the world champions, just as they have done on four other occasions in the past year, but yet again they came up short.

They came up well short actually, because a late penalty try from a scrummage, with the conversion coming from a dropped goal by replacement George Ford, gave a rather flattering slant to the scoreline.

England had been excellent in parts in the first half, but for most of the second half, glaringly so in the third quarter, they were simply dreadful.

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 Ben Smith of New Zealand evades a tackle from Jonny May of England and Brad Barritt of England during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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 Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand is tackled by Joe Marler of England during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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New Zealand took complete control and England’s kicking game disintegrated to the extent that they could scarcely make their way out of their own half.

Danny Care in particular had a half that he will want to forget and Owen Farrell was handicapped by the lack of a kicker outside him at centre. Neither Kyle Eastmond or Brad Barritt can kick at this level, and while Mike Brown can, he never seemed to be in a position to do so. It was desperate stuff as New Zealand’s hold tightened.

Read the whole Match Report here:

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 Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand is tackled by Mike Brown of England during the QBE International betwen England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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 Billy Vunipola of England is tackled by Charlie Faumuina of New Zealand and Richie McCaw (L) of New Zealand during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 6, 2014 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

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NZ master conditions to beat England

Winning by three tries to two, New Zealand controlled the appalling conditions in the second half to defeat England 21-24 at Twickenham.

Match Report from Planet Rugby:

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 Mike Brown of England is held up by the New Zealand defence during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

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 Tom Wood of England wins lineout ball during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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Nowhere near their best but so effective in the way they handled the weather, the All Blacks put away a spirited England side to make it six wins out of the last seven In London.

A penalty try for the home side came too little too late as England paid for losing their way in the second half, when New Zealand rose to the fore in a chaotic second period where multiple refereeing decisions were questionable.

England though will learn a lot from this, despite the loss. They kept New Zealand honest, proving they can compete. Inexperience in the end cost them as the penalties crept up and their composure was washed away with the flood from above, not to mention a weak kicking performance.

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 Mike Brown of England is tackled by Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

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 Kieran Read of New Zealand jumps for a lineout ball with Tom Wood of England during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

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Man of the Match: An early departure but the impact of Jerome Kaino was enormous, starting the build-up for Cruden's score.

Moment of the Match: Three minutes in and Jonny May's screaming run showed that England meant business.

Villain of the Match: The age it took for a decision to be made was unnecessary but a yellow card was the right call for Dane Coles. Even with your shirt pulled, you can't do that.

Whole Match Report Here / Planet Rugby

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 Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand is tackled by Mike Brown of England during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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 Dave Atwood of England wins a lineout from Kieran Read of New Zealand during the QBE International betwen England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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A general view as Ben Youngs of England kicks down field during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

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next test:

Scotland v New Zealand

Nov 15

Murrayfield / Edinburgh

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England v S. Africa
Nov 15
Twickenham / London
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Headlines from Planet Rugby / Weekend Previews

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New Scotland head coach Vern Cotter will get his first taste of action at Murrayfield when Argentina visit on Saturday.
Scotland RFU
Argentina RFU

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Saturday's big showdown in Dublin sees the Six Nations champions host a Springbok side high on confidence and looking to lay down a marker.
S.Africa RFU
Ireland RFU

Eben Etzebeth with Victor Matfield in a line out during the South African National rugby team training session at Blackrock College RFC on November 05, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.

(November 4, 2014 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)

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Another end-of-year Test series is upon us and still the same question remains; can Wales end their drought against the heavyweight southern trio.
Wales RFU
Australia RFU

Wales players Rhys Priestland (back left) Justin Tipuric (back right) Cory Allen (2nd bottom) and Jamie Roberts in action during Wales training at the Millennium stadium on November 3, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 2, 2014 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)

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Australia Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika (3rd right) shares a joke with his players during a Wallabies training session at Treforest on November 6, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 5, 2014 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)

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New Zealand will look to make a dent in England's World Cup aspirations when the two sides face off at Twickenham on Saturday.
England RFU
New Zealand RFU

The New Zealand All Blacks arrive for a training session at Latymers on November 6, 2014 in London, England.

(November 5, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

England practice their scrummaging during the England training session held at Pennyhill Park on November 6, 2014 in Bagshot, England.

(November 5, 2014 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)

http://www.planetrugby.com/

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All Blacks take Hillary Shield

Cory Jane (R) of the All Blacks is challenged to the high ball by Billy Twelvetrees during the International Test Match between the New Zealand All Blacks and England at Forsyth Barr Stadium on June 14, 2014 in Dunedin, New Zealand.

(June 13, 2014 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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All Blacks' core skills set them apart

Gregor Paul

Pace per se was not the All Blacks' deadliest weapon in Dunedin - it was the ability to perform the core skills when playing at such a deadly pace that set them apart from England.

                           That accuracy made them lethal in the third quarter.
                              They were playing one game, England another.

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 Conrad Smith of New Zealand is tackled by Geoff Parling of England during the International Test Match between the New Zealand All Blacks and England at Forsyth Barr Stadium on June 14, 2014 in Dunedin, New Zealand.

(June 13, 2014 - Source: Rob Jefferies/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 Richie McCaw of New Zealand crashes into the tackle of Geoff Parling of England during the International Test Match between the New Zealand All Blacks and England at Forsyth Barr Stadium on June 14, 2014 in Dunedin, New Zealand.

(June 13, 2014 - Source: Rob Jefferies/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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The All Blacks were everywhere in that period - the passes were spun and popped; the support runners were on either side, the big men were there in a flash to clean out and it really was as if a black tidal wave had crashed at one end of the field and was sweeping everything in its wake.
England aspire to play a similar game and they are making progress towards it.
They are definitely on the right track but the gap between them and the All Blacks in specific regard to their respective abilities to play pass and catch rugby at top speed is significant.
"As far as the intensity of the game ... I thought we really stuck in," said England assistant coach Andy Farrell. "In the second half the All Blacks showed us why they are world champions.
"Their speed of thought and speed of the game was outstanding.
"Playing at that pace their core skills were excellent and allowed them to keep their continuity in the game. We could have had a barrage coming our way because of the intensity with which they came at us in the third quarter."

                        Farrell's assessment was spot on. Northern Hemisphere rugby isn't played at the same pace. It's physical, it's tough, it's good stuff but rarely does it end up at the sort of speed seen in Dunedin.

                             And that, sitting 15 months out from the World Cup, is where the contenders are going to have to make giant strides.

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 Danny Care of England prepares to feed the scrum while Aaron Smith of New Zealand looks on during the International Test Match between the New Zealand All Blacks and England at Forsyth Barr Stadium on June 14, 2014 in Dunedin, New Zealand.

(June 13, 2014 - Source: Rob Jefferies/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 Marland Yarde of England is tackled by Dane Coles and Richie McCaw (L) during the International Test Match between the New Zealand All Blacks and England at Forsyth Barr Stadium on June 14, 2014 in Dunedin, New Zealand.

(June 13, 2014 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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The All Blacks look to be on their own when it comes to this sort of rugby. South Africa, despite looking capable of mastering it, are not committed to it. Australia can do the frilly bits out wide but can't be certain of creating the platform to launch it and England were good at it, but only up to a point.
Too often in Dunedin they lost their accuracy after three phases: they forced the pass when it wasn't on. No doubt their athletes are fit - but are they fit enough to play like that? No doubt their players are skilled - but are they skilled enough to play like that? England coach Stuart Lancaster will be asking those questions this week as he tries to formulate a plan for the third test.
"When we look back it will come down to decision-making at the highest level," said Lancaster. "That is the next step we have to take as a team. That and a little bit of game management especially between our 22 and the halfway line. It pays to take territory against the All Blacks."
Rugby Test: NZ Herald
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 Manu Tuilagi of England is caught in a try saving tackle by Ben Smith during the International Test Match between the New Zealand All Blacks and England at Forsyth Barr Stadium on June 14, 2014 in Dunedin, New Zealand.

(June 13, 2014 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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 Cory Jane of New Zealand looks to beat the tackle of Marland Yarde of England during the International Test Match between the New Zealand All Blacks and England at Forsyth Barr Stadium on June 14, 2014 in Dunedin, New Zealand.

(June 13, 2014 - Source: Rob Jefferies/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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All Blacks have a gear beyond England

Article & video

                              The All Blacks' identity crisis is over. In a clinical third quarter, the world champions showed why they are the best side on the planet.

England, who had led at the interval, were blown away, gasping and even though they salvaged pride with two tries in the final nine minutes, the reality is that New Zealand have a gear beyond England at the moment. 

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Aaron Smith of the All Blacks kicks the ball past Ben Morgan during the International Test Match between the New Zealand All Blacks and England at Forsyth Barr Stadium on June 14, 2014 in Dunedin, New Zealand.

(June 13, 2014 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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The All Blacks celebrate after winning the International Test Match between the New Zealand All Blacks and England at Forsyth Barr Stadium on June 14, 2014 in Dunedin, New Zealand.

(June 13, 2014 - Source: Hannah Peters/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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next test:
21 June
NZ v England
Hamilton
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