OPINION: Graham Henry showed there's life left in the old dog yet as he enjoyed another immensely satisfying win over Robbie Deans, his Kiwi opposite in charge of the Wallabies.
If this match had been played three weeks ago there's no way the All Blacks would have won.But Henry has managed to squeeze something extra out of his troops during their period of inactivity.
They have used their time wisely, particularly with their forward effort.
Of course he had his returning skipper Richie McCaw to thank for another truly inspirational performance, an effort that will have come as no surprise to Deans, McCaw's former coach at the Crusaders.
McCaw was the difference at times, no more so than with his try in which he featured three times in the buildup before crossing the line.
This was by no means a faultless All Blacks win. In fact it was another effort littered with errors.
But there was also a massive amount of character and determination.
They overcame an early Wallabies lead that looked likely to see Deans come away with a win that would end a 23-year drought at Eden Park.
That didn't happen and credit needs to go to Henry for producing a stubborn All Blacks performance, one that was built around a dominant second half where they frustrated the Wallabies, smothering their forwards.
With this win the All Blacks were able to strike a significant psychological blow.
Deans' side must now win all three remaining matches in Sydney, Wellington and Tokyo to reclaim the Bledisloe Cup. That's a very tall order.
There was a nervous air in the New Zealand camp in the leadup to this match.
Henry's reappointment through to the next World Cup added a real edge to proceedings.
Not that an edge is needed when the All Blacks and Wallabies come together, especially with Kiwis in charge of both teams.
As much as the respective coaches continue to downplay their influence there's no escaping the fact that their sideshow is a compelling addition to the Bledisloe rivalry.
Now with both coaches working through to 2011 there is a fair bit more to play in this drama yet.
Ultimately it might come down to who can get their hands on the Webb Ellis cup to sort out the argument once and for all. But right now our only gauge is the Bledisloe and it's a fascinating barometer for test footy on either side of the Tasman.
Henry has extended his lead over Deans to 4-1 in quick time, something that will have his bosses in Wellington feeling both relief and justification.
Deans' honeymoon period is over and he knows his side needs to do better than they managed in a promising but also frustrating first season last year. They will have trudged off Eden Park realising that they let another opportunity slip given their bright start.
penalty for the All Blacks
New Zealand critics have ruthlessly questioned the All Blacks stumblings in big matches at times in recent years. Deans has publically wondered about the Wallabies' abilities in that area as well.
They failed again when the blow torch was applied.
The All Blacks leave early on Sunday to try to win against the Springboks in Bloemfontein and Durban, an unenviable task against a South African outfit that have been made favourites for the Tri-Nations title.
But, the World Cup aside, it's the Bledslioe Cup that matters most to Kiwis and Henry's men once again have one hand firmly on the big trophy.
