New Zealand v England: The First Test

It went down to the wire in Dunedin, as England were a kick away from securing a second ever victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand. They were unlucky to not win, but one thing’s for sure: this young team has what it takes for the biggest stage.

Despite finishing behind in the 16-15 scoreline, Steve Borthwick’s men weren’t outplayed in any key departments. Their ball-handling, set-piece, physicality, and game management were top-notch for most of the game and there’ll be optimism next week. That said, there’s a reason the All Blacks are so hard to beat on home soil…

Shots fired from the start

To win, the Roses had to start aggressively. And they scored first, with a penalty after 5 minutes of pressure. A confident start reminiscent of the World Cup semi-final.

But this only fuelled New Zealand. After restart, they launched a deep attack with a crossfield-kick to set up a try in the corner - a modern tactic used to spread opposition defenses wide. The scene felt familiar: an opening jab from the men in white followed by a much more devastating right-hook from the All Blacks. One could see the game playing out that way.

But credit to Borthwick’s men, it absolutely didn’t. Receiving the ball deep, George Furbank and Alex Mitchell ran it back with cutting lines and eventually got back into NZ’s 22. England then set a slick maul and a pick-and-go to send Maro Itoje over for an effective finish. It was a mature hit-back try with level-headedness across the park.

All Blacks up the anti

But New Zealand weren’t in full-rev – again they snuffed out England’s lead. Individual brilliance from fullback Stephen Perofeta side-stepping Ben Earl’s desperate tackle attempt, meant a slick try for Ardie Savea in the corner. Again, England regrouped.

As half-time neared, England were competing with territory and a tightened defensive set. A hard-fought penalty on the ground by Ollie Lawrence meant England drew the scores level. Nothing separated the teams at the break.

Second Half: world-class defence

England came out with a much clearer idea of what they were up against. This being New Zealand’s first game under Scott Robertson, there were bound to be new formations for the men in white to contain. But with ex-Springbok defensive mastermind Felix Jones’s watchful eye, it’s evident that this new England team can adapt quickly.

England held back the All Blacks, while creating opportunities. Marcus Smith didn’t take his unfortunately – his goal kicking was off, as was Damian Mckenzie’s – but Smith’s playmaking was sharp. An ambitious move from deep in their half saw England’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso over in the corner – a try he started with his own running from backfield.

England’s lead remained slender at 15-10. But they continued to play with positive intent. Alex Mitchell’s delivery from the base was speedy and his kicks kept New Zealand on their toes, while his constant willingness to seek gaps kept England’s outside backs in the game.

In the forwards, Maro Itoje competed effectively in the air and rucks, while Chandler Cunningham-South showed great hands and strength to make post-contact yards. George Martin was ruthlessly physical, and Ollie Lawrence’s was so solid in the midfield he seemed like a loose forward at times.

The game reached its final quarter with England still up 15-13.

An ending that could’ve gone either way

After testing up-and-unders and some pinball, New Zealand pulled ahead by a point after slotting another penalty. This set up for a dramatic final ten.

The pressure was telling as dubious on-field decisions were made by players on both sides. In the penultimate play, Damian Mckenzie was even penalised for time-wasting during his goal-kick. It meant one thing for England: a final chance to win it.

England worked upfield and launched a charge at New Zealand’s lines. The All Blacks were solid, and when Furbank went to ground for the game’s final ruck England would’ve had a drop goal in mind. Arguably though, New Zealand’s players going off their feet meant England should’ve been given a penalty.

But the final play was blown in New Zealand’s favour. It’s the kind of ref call that would’ve gone England’s way at Twickenham, but it went to the home-side in Dunedin. NZ kicked it out and earned the tightest of victories: 16-15. 

England will feel it was absolutely there for the taking. No doubt they’ll be excited to have another crack next week, ahead of their next home-game matchup against New Zealand at Twickenham on November 2nd.

Work-ons for this week

In terms of improvements: England’s top players need to add the final layers of polish.
Smith’s goal-kicking will be discussed. Ben Earl, having missed a tackle that led to NZ’s second try, will be even more determined than usual to put things right.

England’s scrums could’ve been more steady, but with Joe Marler out early it would serve England to focus on the other parts of their game. More than anything, they’ll need to convert their entries into New Zealand’s territory.

The look of new faces

It was a baptism of fire for Fin Baxter, who replaced Marler inside the first twenty to make his debut. He certainly didn’t let the team down in physically matching up, and showed skilled ball-handling for a prop when called upon.

Special mention for the rest of England’s young backline – Feyi-Waboso, Furbank, and Lawrence all looked like they belonged out there. And with England building towards the 2027 World Cup down under where the conditions will suit running rugby, England’s new attacking formation is starting to look the part.

Test 2: Eden Park

England travel to Auckland feeling as positive as a losing team possibly can. They matched the All Blacks in key areas, and didn’t look out of their depth in any. Tighter finishing will be Steve Borthwick’s instruction – as England made easily enough metres in Test 1 to put more than 30 points on the scoreboard.

Borthwick’s options

He might consider keeping Alex Mitchell on the field longer next week – as the backline looked best with his superior delivery, vision, and box-kicks. The front row and replacements are sure to be reshuffled with Marler’s absence confirmed for Test 2.

Despite noise about Marcus Smith’s kicking this week, expect to see England’s No 1 playmaker starting. Though Henry Slade might be a considered option as backup kicker.

England v New Zealand at Twickenham

England’s next home match is against New Zealand at Twickenham on 2 November.  Whatever the result this weekend, the men in white will have a cohesive attacking game to unleash on the All Blacks come the end of year. And with a strong home crowd behind them, there’s no reason not to feel confident for a win at Twickenham.

If you’d like to experience England v New Zealand at Twickenham in the best game-day comfort and luxury - VIP style - we’d love to have you be our guest for this monumental showdown.