NZ v England

We lost by 1 point.  But you aint gonna win world cups by being satisfied by losing  by 1 point.  Shame.

kicking from hand was poor this time and we're at our best when carrying the ball. This touring side which is greatly depleted by injuries and light on experience is doing a pretty good job out there in NZ. Be good to win but it has to be seen as excellent preparation for the (real) world cup. Good old Stuart L doing a great job.

That post alone suggests you follow and know rugby more than me.  But NZ(and to a lesser extent SA and Aus) consistently do this against northern hemisphere teams.  Makes me think they might even be making it close on purpose.  Seriously how often have we(eng, ire and wales) got close but lost in the last few years?

I agree it's a familiar pattern, but England and France occasionally buck the trend and you can't get hung up on history. We have a very young and talented pool of players who have great potential and we usually peak come the WC. Once upon a time, with the exception of the side that Johnson captained, a good drubbing was what could be expected on a tour of NZ. I find this very promising.

I hope you are right Sultan.  Johnson would never be happy with a defeat, regrdless how close to the all blacks.  I suspect the welsh and irish are happy if it is close.