Five moments that proved England v New Zealand is more than just a game

There are few fixtures in world rugby that carry as much history as England and New Zealand.

In a rivalry spanning more than 120 years, the two sides have produced some of the sport's most memorable moments. From dominant All Blacks teams and famous England victories to World Cup heartbreaks and individual performances, this line up has consistently delivered stories that transcended rugby itself.

With the two sides set to meet again in the standout fixture of the 2026 Nations Championship, here are five moments that proved England v New Zealand is more than just a game.

1905: Where it all began

England 0-15 New Zealand
2 December 1905, Crystal Palace

Every great rivalry has to start somewhere. For England and New Zealand, that place was Crystal Palace on a brisk December afternoon in 1905.

Already well into their tour, the All Blacks' reputation had arrived in London long before they did. Leaving a trail of defeated teams behind them, the squad that would come to be known as the 'Originals' had swept through much of their tour, introducing British crowds to a style of rugby they had never seen before.

England quickly joined the list of those defeated by the All Blacks, with New Zealand scoring five tries in a 15-0 victory that marked the beginning of one of rugby's most enduring rivalries.

1936: England's first win

England 13-0 New Zealand
4 January 1936, Allianz Stadium (Twickenham)

Thirty years after their first meeting, England finally found a way past the All Blacks. And they did it in some style.

Making his England debut at just 19, Prince Alexander Obolensky scored twice as the hosts secured a 13-0 victory. His first saw him tear through the New Zealand defence on a run covering much of the pitch and remains one of the most celebrated tries in England's history.

It was England's first victory over the All Blacks, but it was Obolensky's brilliance that defined the day, with the game becoming known simply as 'Obolensky's Match'.

1995: The Lomu game

New Zealand 45-29 England
18 June 1995, Rugby World Cup semi-final, Cape Town

There are great individual performances, and then there is Jonah Lomu in 1995.

The 20-year-old winger entered the Rugby World Cup as an emerging talent. By the final whistle of the All Blacks' World Cup semi-final against England, he was a global star and had vaulted rugby into the international spotlight.

Lomu scored four tries as the All Blacks won 45-29, a feat in itself. However, the numbers tell only part of the story. His first, powering through the England defence and famously going over Mike Catt on his way to the line, became one of the defining moments of the tournament.

England managed four tries of their own, but the match belonged to Lomu.

2019: The tables turn

England 19-7 New Zealand
26 October 2019, Rugby World Cup semi-final, Yokohama

Twenty-four years after Lomu and the All Blacks ended England's World Cup hopes, the two teams found themselves in another semi-final. But this time, it would be England who delivered the performance that would be remembered.

New Zealand arrived in Yokohama as back-to-back world champions and had won 18 consecutive Rugby World Cup matches. England secured the lead early and never allowed them to settle. When the final whistle blew, England had secured a famous 19-7 victory and brought New Zealand's eight-year reign as world champions to an end.

For England, it was one of their great World Cup performances and long-awaited catharsis for what happened 24 years earlier.

2025: A modern classic

England 33-19 New Zealand
15 November 2025, Allianz Stadium

England had waited 13 years for a home victory over the All Blacks and, after falling 12-0 behind inside the opening 20 minutes, it looked as though the wait would continue.

Instead, Allianz Stadium witnessed one of England's most memorable modern comebacks. Roared on by a packed crowd, the hosts turned the match around to claim a 33-19 victory.

It was England's first win over New Zealand since the 2019 World Cup and their first home success against the All Blacks since 2012.

More than a century after the rivalry began at Crystal Palace, England v New Zealand is still producing moments worthy of its history.

2026: The next chapter

The best part? On 26 November, they go again.

The rivals return to Allianz Stadium for the inaugural Nations Championship, one year on from England's dramatic 33-19 comeback victory. With recent encounters decided by the finest of margins, all the signs point towards another captivating clash.

While the action on the pitch lasts 80 minutes, occasions like England v New Zealand are about much more than the rugby itself. With atmosphere, drama and history in abundance, this is a fixture that deserves more than a standard match day.

For those looking to elevate the occasion, official hospitality with Keith Prowse offers an unforgettable day out. Enjoy premium seating, access to exclusive lounges, exceptional food and drink, and a relaxed environment before and after kick-off, allowing you to make the most of every part of the experience.

Whether entertaining clients, celebrating a special occasion or sharing the day with friends and family, it's the perfect way to enjoy England v New Zealand at Allianz Stadium.