Woodward lambasts defence

Report: NZ 36-3 England Photos from Dunedin

England coach Clive Woodward criticised his side's defence following their 36-3 hammering at the hands of New Zealand.

The All Blacks scored three first-half tries to end the match as a contest by half-time.

"It was a thumping," a despondent Woodward said. "I can't think of any positives to come out of the game.

"We found it hard to stop them and fell off so many one-on-one tackles. I was disappointed with the 30 points they scored in the first half."

The result was England's biggest defeat since losing to New Zealand 64-22 in 1998.

It was also the first time in 46 Tests - stretching back to June 2000 - that England have lost two Tests in a row, bringing their run of 13 wins against the southern hemisphere's big three to a crushing end.

In most areas, we came second best Lawrence Dallaglio All Blacks' reaction

Woodward added: "It was a tough day at the office.

"I thought New Zealand were far sharper, they were quicker to secure the 50-50 ball.

"Now we've got to regroup for the second Test."

England captain Lawrence Dallaglio echoed Woodward's lament about his side's defence.

England need a Neil Back-type player at number seven and a flyhalf who can pass and kick From Madryoch Have your say on Scrum V

"This is very disappointing for all of us," Dallaglio said.

"We talked about the importance of first-up tackles. We missed six in the whole game against New Zealand in Wellington last year, but we missed six from the kick-off today.

"If you are going to miss them at that rate, then you are going to make life incredibly difficult. Whenever New Zealand got a sniff of quick ball, they moved it wide and took their opportunities.

"In most areas, we came second best. When you lose 36-3, it is easy to say you are tired, but there are no excuses."