New Zealand host England hoping to extend their long winning run at Eden Park and secure series victory.
The All Blacks showed serious guts and grit to pip the tourists in the first Test in Dunedin, holding on by a point as both sides produced excellent defensive performances.
The hosts now return to their Auckland fortress, where they have not been beaten since 1994, to try and sweep the series. Scott Robertson makes just a single change to his side as the new All Blacks coach looks to build continuity and cohesion.
Steve Borthwick, meanwhile, suffered a major injury blow on match eve with George Furbank ruled out. The full-back has been an integral part of England’s evolution in attack and defence, though Freddie Steward’s aerial acumen may be valuable if the contest is again nip and tuck.
Follow all of the action from New Zealand vs England below:
PENALTY! New Zealand 13-17 ENGLAND (Marcus Smith, 49 minutes)
And Marcus Smith capitalises from the tee to extend England’s advantage.
Harry Latham-Coyle13 July 2024 09:16
New Zealand 13-14 England, 48 minutes
Scott Barrett seems rather confused as referee Nic Berry awards a penalty to the All Blacks before immediately reversing it having got a call from his official. Ooh, that seems slightly soft, Dalton Papali’i with a slight nudge into Henry Slade to send the centre tumbling over the ruck, the sort of collision that happens all of the time but penalised here as it left England short of a cleanout man.
Harry Latham-Coyle13 July 2024 09:16
New Zealand 13-14 England, 46 minutes
Frustrating for England. Ollie Lawrence makes initial metres with a powerful surge, but the intelligent injection of the busy Mark Tele’a into the defensive line salvages the situation for New Zealand, the wing’s inquisitive limbs interrogating Jamie George and drawing a slip of the tongue from the England captain. Knocked on seven metres from the All Blacks’ line – a chance missed.
Harry Latham-Coyle13 July 2024 09:13
New Zealand 13-14 England, 44 minutes
A second penalty against New Zealand in quick succession, Rieko Ioane shooting a quizzical look at one of Nic Berry’s assistants after being pinged for offside.
Henry Slade’s raking left boot sends England down into the hosts’ 22.
Harry Latham-Coyle13 July 2024 09:11
New Zealand 13-14 England, 43 minutes
Freddie Steward roams like a Saturday morning rambler but finds the bridleway blocked by Ethan de Groot’s burl. Steward is bumped on to his bottom by the big prop.
Into a kicking battle. Jordie Barrett hares after a hoist but tackles Marcus Smith in the air.
Harry Latham-Coyle13 July 2024 09:10
New Zealand 13-14 England, 41 minutes
Damian McKenzie and Finlay Christie launch their forward runners into the white wall of England shirts, the bricks not budging and forcing the home side to kick possession away.
Harry Latham-Coyle13 July 2024 09:08
Second half…
Might the All Blacks go to Beauden Barrett early to try to solidify their backfield? He was excellent off the bench last week to steady things in the second half. For England, meanwhile, Sam Underhill had a bit of blood on his face at teh end of the first half, but is back out there with extra strapping for the start of the second.
A reminder that the hosts have not been beaten here since 1994. England are 40 minutes from ending that unbeaten run at 48 matches.
Back underway at Eden Park!
Harry Latham-Coyle13 July 2024 09:07
HT: New Zealand 13-14 England
The All Blacks will feel confident they can turn the screw at scrum time at some stage, but both teams have struggled for clean lineout ball with Maro Itoje and Scott Barrett to the fore as defensive jumpers. It’s been a brilliant contest between those two both at the set-piece and in open play, two of the finest, most complete tight forwards in the world right at the top of their game.
Harry Latham-Coyle13 July 2024 09:02
HT: New Zealand 13-14 England
Well well well. The All Blacks were one defensive set away from going down the tunnel relatively content with their half, but that Tommy Freeman gather and grounding has rather changed the complexion. The tourists would have been fearful when Mark Tele’a scurried over early on, but they’ve stayed in the fight, capitalising on some All Blacks profligacy to strike twice on the back of Marcus Smith’s deadly, delicate boot – can they hold on to pull off a famous win?
Harry Latham-Coyle13 July 2024 08:59