THE All Blacks lost this match in the first half, trailing 19-3 at half time after being guilty of giving away possession in the wrong areas and kicking the ball away when they should have kept it. They finished strongly but by that time when were losing 29-13.

Two early penalties apiece in the first three minutes - home full back Andrew Frost for offside, and All Black right wing Keiron Lewitt for not releasing, kept it all square before Southend bagged the first of their three tries.

The All Blacks had possession but Southend gathered a kick out of hand and fly half Jack Jones shot through a gap to score an unconverted try.

Southend crossed again when the All Blacks gifted them possession, they ran it back and again found a gap. Some business-like back play ended with right wing Billy Driver going over. No conversion.

For a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.