'The disallowed try took the wind out of our sails'
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Your support makes all the difference.This record defeat was hard for the England camp to take as it was, but the disallowing of Jamie Noon's fifth-minute try really stuck in the England craw.
The French referee, Joel Jutge, and his compatriot Christophe Berdos, the television match official (TMO), spent three minutes dithering, during which time the New Zealanders had grouped under the posts for the conversion attempt and England were back on the 10-metre line for the restart.
"I scored that try," Noon insisted. "There was no reason not to give it. It was bizarre that he could not give that decision. I don't understand it. Everyone in the world knew it was a try."
England's head coach, Andy Robinson, said: "I think Joel asked the wrong question. He should have asked 'Is there any reason why I cannot award that try?' Instead I think he asked whether the TMO could see the ball. When it was disallowed it took the wind out of our sails.
"We asked for technology in the game..." He trailed off, but what was left unsaid was that technology has to be used correctly, and more importantly, precisely.
The All Blacks captain, Richie McCaw, said: "The disallowed try meant we managed to relieve some of the pressure on us."
England's captain, Martin Corry, said: "It was not a psychological blow. We knew we could take the game to them. But you have to take your chances. The whole squad is dejected. Our mistakes cost us dear."
Robinson found consolation in the displays of the new boys, the centre Anthony Allen, the scrum-half Shaun Perry and winger Paul Sackey. "They deserve credit," Robinson said. "Anthony Allen was very competitive. I'm really pleased with how he performed. Shaun Perry made a step up today as well.
"I am pleased with the ambition we showed, with the try by Jamie Noon that wasn't a try and then with his second. Credit to New Zealand. They know how to strike from turnovers and they have a kicking machine in Daniel Carter."
Carter, the outstanding All Black inside centre, said: "We have plenty of room for improvement and we will be working hard on certain aspects of our game as we prepare for the first Test against France next week."
Their coach, Graham Henry, added: "It is always great to win at Twickenham. [But] we gave away too many penalties in the second half, and our defence was suspect."
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