Shatter All Blacks’ aura forever

reach it by the end of this series.

Yet, whatever does unfold over the next 12 days, the mood has changed. England have shattered the illusion that this will be an allconquering All Black side that will march on towards the 2015 Rugby World Cup with an imperious air.

England’s second-string has done world rugby a great service in that regard. The Kiwis have never taken victory for granted. But they have also expected to win whenever they take the field, honouring the legacy of those who have gone before.

Suddenly, though, there are questions hanging in the air. Are their veteran crusaders Richie McCaw, Tony Woodcock and Keven Mealamu past their sell-by date? Each of them has more than a century of caps to his name. Will those stocks continue to be replenished through to next year’s Rugby World Cup? These are only questions, not statements of fact.

Perhaps the second test in Dunedin on Saturday will see a restoration of what passes for the natural order in these parts. McCaw may boss the breakdown as once he always did as if by right. Ma’a Nonu will smash his way through that whitewall defence. Israel Dagg will cut angles, the trio of Smiths will do their thing, and another emphatic All Black victory will have been registered.

If so, it will have been a sumptuous performance, one orchestrated by the sporting gods. And, if so, fair enough. But even then you sense that England no longer hold the All Blacks in thrall.

For the third match in succession against New Zealand, Stuart Lancaster’s side have not been daunted by what lay in front of them.

Even Eden Park, where the All Blacks have not lost in 20 years, was reduced to a backdrop of mere bricks and mortar. It was like being at a Sunday School service. The stadium, too, has been demystified.

From this point on, the All Blacks will have to win matches the way everyone else does. By grit and skill and class, all of which they have in abundance.

As for the myths that surround them, they have been well and truly debunked. Why, even the haka seemed no more than a song and dance. Which is exactly as it should be.