All Blacks fight from behind to beat England and clinch series

England slipped to a second tight defeat in successive weeks vs New Zealand, as the All Blacks fought from behind to seal a 24-17 win at Eden Park, clinching a 2-0 series win.

All Blacks wing Mark Tele’a scored a try in either half – the second after a wonderful Beauden Barrett try assist – while England scored through Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tommy Freeman tries – both via Marcus Smith kick passes.

England were denied a late chance to cross for a third try which would have set up a conversion to draw 24-24, but a lengthy TMO review saw them penalised for obstruction in a maul by the try-line.

Steve Borthwick’s side had led by four points into the fourth quarter, but the All Blacks woke up to kick into gear from there, maintaining their unbeaten run at Eden Park since 1994.

The lineout of Scott Robertson’s New Zealand endured a torrid day, but they had just enough for victory as a first win on Kiwi soil vs the All Blacks since 2003 eluded England again.

All Blacks wing Mark Tele’a scored twice as New Zealand came from behind to beat England at Eden Park

The contest saw an open and fast start by both sides, with England’s Smith attempting a strange drop-goal attempt in the fifth minute from distance, which landed wide and short.

A big New Zealand chance followed as hooker Codie Taylor broke into the 22 after Damian McKenzie chipped and chased, regathering the ball before England skipper Jamie George. Freeman cut Taylor down, and when the latter attempted a desperate offload, wing Sevu Reece knocked on.

A New Zealand scrum penalty won against the head afforded them their next chance, and after a strong Ardie Savea carry, wing Tele’a picked and went from a ruck to finish well in the corner for the opening try on 11 minutes.

McKenzie converted superbly from near the touchline, but England were level less than three minutes later, as Smith picked out Feyi-Waboso with a cross-field kick-pass, and the wing scampered in.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso replied with England’s opening try within three minutes

Outstanding defence from Smith somehow denied New Zealand a try soon after when Tele’a and full-back Stephen Perofeta broke down the left – Smith getting into the passing channel to intercept an inside pass on top of the try-line to deny a certain score.

Another New Zealand scrum penalty allowed the All Blacks to attack on advantage in the 22, and when England were caught offside, McKenzie kicked over off the tee for the lead from close range.

When England back-row Ben Earl went off feet at the breakdown, McKenzie kicked New Zealand into a six-point lead, but England would have the final say of the half.

Attacking with the clock in the red, Smith produced another cross-field kick-pass which was majestically claimed in the air by towering wing Freeman, who then showed his power to crash over. Smith nailed the conversion for a one-point lead too.

Borthwick’s side extended their advantage nine minutes into the second half via a Smith penalty, with the All Blacks struggling to gain a foothold in the England half thereafter.

That was until 19 minutes to play when, after a couple of lost England lineouts brought New Zealand back into play, replacement Beauden Barrett produced a stunning try assist to carve through and pass for Tele’a to score his second in the corner.

McKenzie’s conversion slipped wide, but the New Zealand lead was then extended to four as Barrett made another telling break and Itoje was caught offside by the posts with England scrambling – McKenzie landing the simple penalty.

With five minutes to go, the All Blacks lead was pushed to seven through McKenzie again, but England almost forced a last-gasp draw as Ollie Sleightholme made a searing break into the 22.

Indeed, the final play saw England form a driving maul but George eventually held up over the try-line, with ref Nic Berry and the TMO ruling Lawrence had obstructed just prior, ending the chance.

What they said…

England captain Jamie George said…

“We’re a significantly better team than when we started and there are hugely exciting times ahead for this England team.

“We’ll welcome New Zealand back to Twickenham in November and we look forward to that, but I don’t think there is a ceiling in this team.

“You look at the age demographic, hugely talented guys who are desperate to learn, and it’s an absolute pleasure to be a part of.”

New Zealand captain Scott Barrett…

“I’m hugely proud of the team to win the arm-wrestle and hold on.

“Test matches challenge your character and we had to cling on until the last minute.

“I think we adapted well, we finally won the kick battle, and were able to get our noses in front.”

England fly-half Marcus Smith, speaking to Sky Sports:

“If you look at guys like Fin Baxter and Ollie Sleightholme winning their first caps against the All Blacks, they’ll never forget it and I thought they built on it nicely.

“We’ve got a lot of young lads – I’m feeling old at the minute! But I think we are building to something.

“The belief we have as a group is growing, and on another day we get a result here or last week.”

England head coach Steve Borthwick, speaking to Sky Sports:

“I think they’ll be rightly proud of their efforts. The team is progressing.

“Clearly we’ve got work to do to get to where we want to be, but we’re making steps forward.”

What’s next?

England’s season – which began this time last year before pre-Rugby World Cup Tests in August, has now finally come to a close.

Australia vs Wales (10.45am kick-off) and South Africa vs Ireland (4pm) follow later on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Action.

New Zealand are next in action in the first round of the Rugby Championship vs Argentina on Saturday August 10, live on Sky Sports (8.05am kick-off).

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