England suffered a narrow defeat of 16-15 against New Zealand during the initial Test of the series in a hard-fought match on Saturday in Dunedin. The victory ushered in a strong start for New Zealand’s new coach, Scott Robertson, in his opening match.
Under Forsyth Barr Stadium’s canopy, England, spearheaded by Steve Borthwick, put up a stiff competition against the World Cup finalists. They even bagged a 15-10 lead in the early parts of the second half. However, the English team fell to an eighth consecutive loss in New Zealand due to some critical penalties kicked by New Zealand’s fly-half, Damian McKenzie, despite his initial lack of precision.
Reacting to the victory, New Zealand’s captain, Scott Barrett, expressed immense pride, noting how well the team came together under the new coaching system.
The English team was left regretting late discipline errors that gave McKenzie the opportunity to rectify his earlier missed conversion attempts. Additionally, Marcus Smith, England’s fly-half, had a challenging night, landing only two out of five attempts.
Following the nail-biting game, England’s captain, Jamie George, commended the All Blacks’ performance and expressed pride in his team for their exceptional fight, especially in the first half.
The series now moves to Auckland’s Eden Park where England hopes to secure their first victory on New Zealand’s soil since 2003. Although both teams missed early opportunities, a brilliant crosskick from McKenzie to Sevu Reece broke the stalemate in the match, securing the first try for the winger in his first Test since 2022.
The game began in high gear, with a misleading line drive. However, England retaliated soon after, as Maro Itoje broke through from a mere metre away, following Chandler Cunningham-South’s flanker driven ball to the line. Leaving no room for a breather, fullback Stephen Perofeta swiftly split the midfield, setting free Ardie Savea on the right wing for the host’s second try, and helping them regain control.
Up till the final moments of the first half, the All Blacks continued to lead. However, a crucial overturning by England’s centre Ollie Lawrence, enabled Smith to equalise the game with a penalty. This was an essential morale booster just before intermission, and England came back to the field reenergised.
Tommy Freeman’s line break was halted a mere meter from the line. But, Smith quickly tossed the ball to the lonely left corner where Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who was completely free, sauntered over in the 48th minute. Even though Smith’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful, England’s second try led to early substitutions from Robertson, who introduced Beauden Barrett as the new fullback.
As the finish line neared, England’s control started to diminish. A three-pointed kick by McKenzie following a ruck penalty pushed the hosts ahead in the 65th minute, after a further kick for three following an offside transgression. With the game hanging in the balance, a further penalty kick by McKenzie was cut-off, giving England one last shot at the victory. However, this chance went unfulfilled, leaving the All Blacks to secure a tense inaugural victory for Robertson.
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