George Ford’s last-gasp missed drop goal condemned England to yet another defeat at the hands of New Zealand as the All Blacks claimed a thrilling 24-22 victory at Allianz Stadium.
After Joe Marler’s comments dominated the pre-match build-up, England accepted the challenge of the New Zealand haka, stepping up to the halfway line in an emotionally-charged exchange between the sides in front of a baying Twickenham crowd.
The first half belonged to the All Blacks, with only four penalties from the boot of Marcus Smith keeping England in contention after tries from Mark Tele’a and Will Jordan.
Fly-half Smith would spearhead England’s second-half fightback, his interception laying the foundations for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso to cross the whitewash before another penalty moved Steve Borthwick’s men eight points clear with 20 minutes remaining.
But the pendulum would swing back in New Zealand’s favour as a Damien McKenzie penalty moved them to within a score before the Tele’a’s brilliant finish in the corner moved the All Blacks back ahead.
England had two bites at ending their 12-year wait for an elusive victory over New Zealand on home soil, but Ford’s late penalty hit the post before his drop goal drifted wide in the final act of a pulsating Autumn Nations Series opener.
Player of the match – Wallace Sititi
Winning this award ahead of two-try Mark Tele’a tells you everything you need to know about this imperious performance from a 22-year-old with the rugby world at his feet.
His sensational offload for Tele’a’s opening try unpicked England’s defence, and whether it was at the breakdown, in the tackle or in open play, his impact on the game grew with a succession of crucial interventions.
Line-ups
England: Furbank; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Lawrence, Freeman; Smith, Spencer; Genge, George (capt), Stuart, Itoje, Martin, Cunningham-South, Curry, Earl.
Replacements: Dan, Baxter, Cole, Isiekwe, Curry, Dombrandt, Randall, Ford.
New Zealand: Jordan; Tele’a, Ioane, J. Barrett, Clarke; B. Barrett, Ratima; Williams, Taylor, Lomax, S. Barrett (capt), Vaa’i, Sititi, Cane, Savea.
Replacements: Aumua, Tu’ungafasi, Tosi, Tuipulotu, Roigard, Lienert-Brown, McKenzie
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
What’s next?
England’s Autum Nations Series continues against Australia at Allianz Stadium on November 9 (kick-off 3.10pm), while New Zealand face Ireland in Dublin on November 8 (kick-off 8.10pm).
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