England vs New Zealand LIVE rugby: Score and updates as All Blacks visit Twickenham after haka controversy
The All Blacks visit Allianz Stadium, Twickenham to kick off the Autumn Nations Series
England and New Zealand kick off the Autumn Nations Series with a marquee clash at the renamed Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
Steve Borthwick’s side were beaten narrowly in both Tests on their July tour, and will be out for revenge against an All Blacks side still adjusting to life under head coach Scott Robertson. A storied rivalry has been given extra edge this week by clumsy comments from England prop Joe Marler, who suggested the traditional pre-match haka needed “binning” on social media. Marler, who left camp on Monday for unrelated personal reasons, has since apologised after significant criticism.
The haka chat has dominated the build-up to a crucial clash for both sides. England have taken huge strides this year but have endured recent coaching upheaval, while Borthwick has emphasised the need to finish games strongly after losing three of their last four fixtures by fine margins.
The visitors, meanwhile, disappointed in the Rugby Championship as South Africa further showed how the balance of rugby power may be shifting, and will want to re-establish themselves as one of the world’s top sides in the next few weeks.
Follow all the latest from the Autumn Nations Series opener in our live blog below:
England 0-0 New Zealand, 4 mins
England go over the top from the lineout and then crash pull through the middle takes them to the 22. Nice half-break by Itoje, good quick ball from Spencer as well - which he’s been criticised for not having in the past.
Slade carries, England 10 metres out. George Martin drops the ball but back for a penalty after Jordie Barrett tackles off the ball. Good start from England and they’ll go for the posts.
England 0-0 New Zealand, 2 mins
Early kick-pass from Marcus Smith crossfield looking for Feyi-Waboso but brillaintly defended by Caleb Clarke to push the Englishman into touch.
After the lineout, the All Blacks go aerial themselves but England claim and clear down to the 22. This time New Zealand kick-pass and FeyiWaboso disrupts before a BIG tackle from Cunningham-South drives his man back deep into the 22. Superb by the back rower. NZ eventually clear.
KICK-OFF! England 0-0 New Zealand
And we’re off at the Allianz! This should be mega.
England v New Zealand - All Blacks perform haka
Ok, here we go... A frisson of tension in the Twickenham crowd. New Zealand perform the haka as per normal and the England fans bellow out ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’ for the duration. Supporters doing their part!
As for the England team, they line up to face the All Blacks and walk forward a few steps to show they’re up for the challenge. During the Maori war dance, the All Blacks also walk forward, so the teams end up only a couple of yards from each other with just a few prone photographers lying between them... Wonder if they’re regretting their positioning....
All good theatre, now the business is about to start!
What is a 20-minute red card? How new rugby law will work during Autumn Nations Series
Let’s hope this isn’t relevant today but there’s a new law being trialled this autumn - the 20-minute red card. It has been used in the southern hemisphere but will now controversially be tried up north.
Here’s everything you need to know:
What is a 20-minute red card? How new rugby law will work during autumn Tests
The 20-minute red card has proved popular in Super Rugby and the Rugby Championship and will now be trialled in the northern hemisphere for the first time
England v New Zealand
The teams head out to the Twickenham turf. Anthems upcoming and then the eagerly-awaited haka. Rumours of a response from England after the week of controversy following Joe Marler’s comments but we’ll wait and see.
England v New Zealand
An update from our man on the ground at Allianz Stadium,Twickenham – Harry Latham-Coyle:
A wonderfully mild and dry early November day at the renamed Allianz Stadium, which is plastered in blue and white branding to mark the rather lucrative partnership with the insurance firm. Tenor Alfie Boe has just treated those in their seats to a stirring rendition of ‘Jerusalem’ – it's not quite the haka in terms of cultural meaning, but the early-arriving England fans certainly seemed to enjoy William Blake's words.
Joe Marler hugs Scott Robertson after haka controversy
A nice denouement to all the haka controversy this week. Instigator Joe Marler appears to have been forgiven for his comments by All Blacks boss Scott Robertson.
Heartwarming stuff... We still eagerly await England’s response to the haka, of course.
England vs New Zealand
We’re about 15 minutes from kick-off now and the players are getting ready for what should be a fascinating clash
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