Forward battle key for All Blacks

 

Hooker Keven Mealamu admitted that the forward pack hadn't been glorious when conceding a penalty try to England towards the end of the match.

 

The late penalty try, and the rattling the English front row caused, wasn’t the first time the World Champions had been given a stern examination in this area this year.

 

However Mealamu has said the forwards will be looking to prepare far harder in Edinburgh.

 

"I think it is the focus point of our preparation up here, it is something they do really well up here – the forward play, set pieces and driving mauls," the hooker said.

 

"We have a full week to prepare and we have not had to change any time zones so we are feeling really good physically."

 

The Scottish were impressive against Rugby Championship contenders Argentina with their 41-31 victory at Murrayfield.

 

Yet, despite cutting loose against the Pumas they had some issues of their own up front, with the Pumas possessing what might possibly be the best scrum in the world based on evidence in 2014.

 

Alasdair Dickinson and Ross Ford, partnered with big Glasgow tighthead Euan Murray, held their own against the likes of Marcos Ayerza and Ramiro Herrera at the beginning of the match and this shows what a quality team Scotland is.

 

"They are one the top tier nations so anything is possible and we definitely took notice of the score from the weekend," Mealamu said.

 

"We will make sure in our preparations that no stone will be left unturned.

 

"They are a good side and they have definitely improved over the last year so we will have to prepare well this week – like we always do."

 

If the Test this weekend is as open as it was when the Pumas graced the new turf of Edinburgh’s stadium, front row play may not be at a premium.

 

However, both packs will have a point to prove after they were unable to dominate their respective opposites last weekend.