New Zealand coach Graham Henry sent a shiver of apprehension down the spines of the world rugby fraternity on Monday when he agreed the All Blacks were just where they wanted to be a year out from the World Cup.

Savouring the record 41-20 win over England in the first match of the All Blacks' four-test European tour, Henry ticked off his team's achievements.

"The lineout was the best it has been for a long time," he told a news conference. "The scrum was dominant on both their and our ball."

Asked if New Zealand were where they should be in their final European visit before next year's World Cup in France, Henry replied:

"Yes. We had set some objectives and we got them. We have set some objectives for this time and we will tick them off at the end of the tour."

The New Zealand scrum, which held the powerful England pack in last year's 23-19 win, again stood firm with Carl Hayman a tower of strength at tighthead prop.

But it was the lineout, which has been a cause of concern for some time, which would have given Henry and forwards coach Steve Hansen the most satisfaction.

Keith Robinson, back at lock after two years out of the side with a back injury, was given responsibility for the calls. He responded with a towering performance in the lineout and a typically abrasive exhibition around the park.

"He called the lineouts which was a significant factor and he was good around the field," Henry said. Former captain Reuben Thorne, playing at blindside flanker, also gave the All Blacks an extra option with his height at the back.

"We have been working hard on a few techniques and they came through today," Hansen said.

Fallible defence

Henry conceded the New Zealand defence had been fallible at times, with England centre Jamie Noon twice breaching the line for a disallowed try followed by one ruled as legitimate.

But he said some of the problems had come from the experimental combinations the All Blacks fielded with, for example, Ma'a Nonu accompanying Aaron Mauger in the centres after playing his provincial rugby this year on the wing.

Backs' coach Wayne Smith praised Nonu's all-round contribution but he may not have done enough to convince the selectors he should play instead of Conrad Smith in the second test against France at the Stade de France, a match the All Blacks have targeted.

England coach Andy Robinson, whose side have now lost six games in a row, praised the All Blacks' composure and their ability to turn over the ball.

He also said he had not been surprised that man-of-the-match Dan Carter had continued to kick for goal instead of position late in the second half when New Zealand had the game won.

"They are a winning machine, I'm not surprised at all," he said. "He is a kicking machine, he can kick the ball from anywhere."

New Zealand will field a largely reshaped side against France in their next match in Lyon in six days' time before picking their top combination for the second test which could well be a dress rehearsal for next year's World Cup final.

They finish their tour against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on November 25.