IN a pulsating game where no quarter was asked or given, it was anyone's game right until the final whistle.

The All Blacks' commitment was absolute throughout the 80 minutes, they were leading 3-0 until the 50th minute, and only fell behind with 15 minutes remaining, when the Surrey visitors scored the match's solitary try.

Despite the overnight storms the pitch was in very good condition and the All Blacks played the first half with a strong wind at their backs, a kick sending the ball threequarters of the pitch.

The visitors achieved parity up front but behind had some big, fast runners who ran the ball again and again. However, on this occasion the All Blacks were not in the mood to let their opponents pass and throughout presented a superb defence, time and again holding the visitors out on the line.

The opening score came at the end of the first quarter when home fly half Tony Yapp landed a soaring penalty from the 10-metre line for handling on the ground. Although Esher laid siege to the home line for five minutes approaching the break there was no further score, so at the interval it was still 3-0 to the All Blacks.

The rugby was rugged and brave and fast-moving and the spectators enjoyed a feast of quality forward and back play. If ever the phrase 'it was a pity there had to be a winner' fitted the bill perfectly it was in this match.

Esher, who had only lost once in the league this season, levelled ten minutes into the second half when full back Sam Ulph kicked a penalty.

The All Blacks had a two-man overlap and right wing Jason Luff almost made it to the line. For ten minutes the home side hammered away at the Esher line but failed to break through and a turnover led to the visitors clearing their lines.

The All Blacks' cause was not helped when lock Ben Hilton was yellow-carded for a professional foul just after the hour, and while he was off Esher scored what turned out to be the crucial winning points: the Surrey men had worked upfield and were looking dangerous close to the home line out on the right. From a scrum they went blind and right wing Richard Briggs shot over at the flag for the try, to which Ulph added the conversion. 10-3.

With eight minutes to go the All Blacks came again mounting ruck after ruck close in; surely they would get over, but no, the Esher defences proved as good as their own and they were repulsed. However, their efforts were rewarded with a penalty for offside in front of the posts which Yapp landed. 10-6.

In the dying minutes both teams came close again with driving and handling moves, the All Backs producing one run along the backs which came agonisingly close to bringing a try, but Esher held on. At least the All Blacks deservedly got a losers' bonus point for a tremendous performance.

Director of Rugby Jon Hill's after match comments included 'We've set the benchmark for our performance standards, now we've got to make sure we're consistent with those standards for the rest of the season."

All Blacks: J Fabian; J Luff, E Lewsey (R Westren 8-15; Westren 55-70), M Roberts (capt), K Lewitt; T Yapp, L Webb (Westren 72); T Mathias, D Semmens (J Salter 55), B Pow (N Bayliss 66); B Hilton, B Jenkins (D Kimberley 78); J Lord (T Rawlings 66), M Rawlings (T Rawlings 8-20), S Hocking.

Scorers: pen, T Yapp 2.

Yellow card: Hilton.

Esher: S Ulph; R Briggs, T Loizides (C Baumberg 76), S Jewell, J Copsey; D Slemen (capt), G Cowley (I Barnes 78); D Millard (C Hannon 76), J Campbell, T Warren (J Tubasei 62); P Barker, R Anderson (D Frazier 76); S Gaynor, S Stitcher, S Renwick.

Scorers: try, R Briggs; con, S Ulph; pen, Ulph.

Referee: Mr Steve Lee (RFU).