It is the sort of result that a coach can live off for the rest of his career. Any man who masterminds a northern hemisphere win over New Zealand earns long-term respect, but it is not in Stuart Lancaster’s nature to rest on his laurels.

The man in charge can also reflect that the stunning 38-21 win over the All Blacks – their first autumn European tour defeat in 10 years – is part of general progress and promising development. It is strange to think that Lancaster was, like his captain Chris Robshaw, under pressure before the Kiwi Test.

As much as external pressure has an effect on teams, the most important relationship is between coach and players, in particular the skipper. Lancaster was unequivocal in his support of Robshaw in the wake of criticism about the latter’s decision-making in the defeat by South Africa and it was evident against the All Blacks that the team’s leaders have the dressing room behind them.

The chaotic, ill-disciplined and gaffe-ridden World Cup campaign of 2011 seems a long time ago, as does the reluctance to give Lancaster the head coach role on a full-time basis. He has needed to work hard to gain support from the powers that be – no public or private support from the RFU was offered after the Springbok loss – but they must now know that they are onto a good thing in Lancaster.

England will be the team to beat in the forthcoming Six Nations, which is due largely to the strong alliance that steers the team. Lancaster will be remembered for the historic New Zealand win regardless, but he is on course to be recalled for other achievements as well.

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