England’s players formed a U shape as New Zealand started the haka, and on a day when their indomitable will took them to an ultimately comfortable victory, it was as if they put an unseen four-letter word alongside it.
If they showed respect for opponents who overcame a slow start to take a 12-point lead, they did not for the aura of by some way the most successful side in the history of international rugby, who were a paler shade of black.
This was not just England’s most significant victory in the Steve Borthwick era, but one they needed.
Never mind that this is the most vulnerable New Z…