The All Blacks have moved to 3-0 for the year, as they once again demolished the English defence on their way to a convincing 44-12 win.

It was a much stronger effort than the week before, and while there are still a few things to work on, they're at least moving in the right direction with the Tri Nations opener only two weeks away.

But the win didn't come without a heavy price. Both Richie McCaw and Ali Williams left the field early in the first half, both with what appear to be ankle injuries. The full extent is not known yet (we'll update you as soon as we find out), but they early prognosis is that Richie may miss 6 weeks - which is terrible news for the All Blacks.

The All Blacks continued to improve their attacking game, and made the English backs pay for some weak defence for the second week running.

Richard Kahui had an outstanding debut, both on attack and on defence, and scored the game's opening try. It really was a great effort from Kahui, and now puts a lot of pressure on Conrad Smith for the center position - although we expect to see Smith back in the #13 jersey for South Africa Test.

Still, nothing like a bit of healthy competition...

Dan Carter continued his fine form, and was a real handful on attack. What is often overlooked with Carter, though, is his defence - which is absolutely fantastic for a first five. He's everywhere, and makes tackles all over the field. And, he's not afraid to mix it with some of the bigger forwards.

He scored a try (through some terrible defence, admittedly) and finished the night with 22 points - and a perfect 7/7 with the boot.

The other notable mention goes to Adam Thomson, who made a big impact around the ruck, especially with McCaw off injured. Thomson got himself involved wherever he could, and was unlucky not to be awarded a try late in the game - he's has been a great find for the All Blacks.

Brad Thorn had another great night, and was outstanding in the lineouts - which were greatly improved on from last week. That's good news heading into the games against the Springboks, who are lineout masters.

Anthony Boric also got some game time with Williams leaving the field, which will do his confidence the world of good.

England had their moments, but were ultimately let down by poor defence and discipline in the rucks. For the second week running Mike Tindall found himself in the sin bin, which cost his team a try late in the second half.

Their only standout player (to us, anyway...) was half back Danny Care, who should some real pace around the field - especially his quick taps, which kept the All Blacks back peddling.

In the end New Zealand ran away with game, and showed a much better performance from last week.

South Africa will almost certainly provide a much tougher opponent in two weeks, though, so there'll be no relaxing yet.

Hopefully Williams (and McCaw, but that's sounding extremely unlikely...) will get over his injury in quick time, because he'll be sorely missed if he can't take the field.

Game Summary:

All Blacks 44
(Kahui, Carter, Nonu, Luaki, Cowan - trys)
(Carter (3 pen, 4 con), Donald (1 con)).
England 12
(Care, Varndell - trys)
(Barkley (1 con)).