Conditions couldn't have been worse for the All Black's opening clash against the Irish on Saturday night - wet, windy and freezing temperatures meant that anyone hoping for an expansive game (yup, that was us...) was in for a disappointing night.

What we got, though, was anything but disappointing, as the All Blacks and Ireland fought it out in the miserable conditions.

As the rain began to fall it became clear that it was going to be a night for the forwards to show their skills, and both packs did just that. The All Blacks were up against a solid Irish pack (7 out of the 8 were part of the Munsters pack that won the Heineken Cup), and it was obvious they had their work cut out for them...

...but they stood up in fantastic fashion, and dominated the forward battle - their pick-and-go was some of the best we've seen in some time. They completely controlled the ruck, and kept the Irish on defence for much of the game.

They also dominated the Irish scrum (Tialata stood up to play his best game in a black jersey), and had the edge in the lineouts too, which was unexpected against the likes of Paul O'Connell and Donnacha O'Callaghan. The All Blacks managed to win 4 against the throw - well done lads, a fine effort.

Richie McCaw was outstanding in defence, leading from the front and causing trouble for the Irish around the ruck. While many have been questioning his captaincy skills lately, his workload on the field is fantastic. And, he's just signed on to stay in New Zealand until the end of 2011 - first Dan Carter, and now Richie...2011 is shaping up quite nicely.

Rodney So'oialo looked at home in the number six jersey, and had an impressive work rate around the field. Jerome Kaino was quiet, although the conditions didn't help his running game. If we get dry conditions in Auckland, we'll be able to see him at full effect...goodie.

Adam Thomson had limited game time off the bench, and was unfairly penalised for collapsing the maul - one of the most stupid laws in rugby? We agree.

The Irish forwards had to work hard on defence all night, and towards the later stages of the game it began to tell.

They were out-shone in the scrum and lineouts by a more determined All Black pack, and when they used the ball...well, they looked good, but as so often happens in Northern Hemisphere rugby, they spent too much time kicking the ball away. Don't get us started...

It's no wonder the Northern team's don't want the new laws brought in - they don't like running the ball! Oops, we started...

To Ireland's credit they played a solid game, and were still in it at 11-11 with about twenty minutes to go. Once Nonu scored, they really did fade away - chasing the All Blacks is never easy, and it's something Ireland have always struggled to do.

If they can build from their loss, though, they might be able to give the Aussies a run for their money. We hope.

The backs never really got going (can't blame them, really, with the weather the way it was), although the two times the All blacks did attack they scored tries. Conrad Smith set up the first of them after a fantastic line break, leading to Sitivini Sivivatu scoring in the corner - it was his 22nd try in 22 Tests. Not bad.

Dan Carter made a break in the second half that led to Ma'a Nonu sliding over for the All Blacks second try of the night. It was a good team try, John Schwalger showing some terrific handling skills to offload a pass to Nonu.

Paddy Wallace scored Ireland's only try of the night, which was really thanks to the All Blacks terrible kickoff work. It let them down a couple of times, and needs to be remedied in the coming weeks.

The second half was dominated by the sound of Chris White's whistle (didn't he just love the sound of it?). He made some simple errors, and turned the second half into a stop start affair - not what you need when the weathers doing a good enough job of that already. Referees at this level should be of a higher standard than what we're seeing - White missed some pretty basic calls, and made others that were, quite simply, wrong. The All Blacks would be better off if they never saw an English ref again...

The sooner the new laws are introduced to Tests, the better. Faster, attacking rugby is better rugby. Try disagreeing with that - we dare you.

Over all, it was a solid start to the All Blacks campaign in 2008. Despite the miserable playing conditions, they ground out a tough win against a solid opponent. They still have plenty to work on for the English Test on Saturday, but as far as wins go - we'll take it.

England have not had the best run since the World Cup (losing to Scotland in the Six Nations?? We needn't say more...) but like so many other sides, they seem to step up against tough opposition. The All Blacks will have to be on top of their game, but if they are, and if their backs can get going...it could be a long night for the Poms, and not nearly long enough for us.