England vs New Zealand LIVE: Rugby result and reaction as England complete incredible comeback to snatch draw
England 25-25 New Zealand: Will Stuart scored two tries as England produced an incredible comeback from 25-6 down with nine minutes to go
England burgled an outrageous 25-25 draw from New Zealand after being out of the running for most of the match, a late brace from Will Stuart helping them to a result which will nonetheless do little to quieten coach Eddie Jones’s critics.
Flanker Dalton Papali’i opened the scoring for New Zealand after just four minutes, appearing to read an English strike play off the tail of their lineout and intercepting Jack van Poortvliet’s pass to run 45 metres untouched. They added a second minutes later, Codie Taylor bundling over from a lineout after England were penalised at the scrum, and the hosts were in bad shape at 0-14 down inside ten minutes.
With England’s attack misfiring all day while New Zealand were for the most part clinical, adding a third through Rieko Ioane, it took until the final 10 minutes for some encouragement for the fractious home fans.
With seemingly nothing to lose, England exploded out of nowhere, Marcus Smith skipping through a gap to set up a close-range Stuart try and Freddie Steward rounding off a free-flowing attack to add another. The Twickenham crowd were delirious when Stuart went over again in the final minute, with Smith converting to complete a remarkable comeback.
Relive all from the autumn international between England and the All Blacks below:
PENALTY! ENGLAND 6-17 New Zealand (Marcus Smith penalty, 42 minutes)
Smith strikes cleanly through the back of the ball.
England 3-17 New Zealand, 41 minutes
New Zealand hoist Brodie Retallick to take the restart, which tumbles down just outside the New Zealand 22.
Joy right away for England - a breakdown penalty won by Tom Curry. Owen Farrell looks towards the posts, but he won’t be the one to kick it - that leg issue is sufficiently bothersome to necessitate a switch of kicker to Marcus Smith, who is also very proficient from the tee.
Second half
Owen Farrell doesn’t appear to be moving totally freely, but the England captain has the ball in his hands and is ready to restart the action.
It looks like the 46 who started the match remain for the start of the second 40 mintues. Off we go!
H/T: England 3-17 New Zealand
Will Eddie Jones stick or twist? We’ll see if Owen Farrell’s leg is anything more than just some discomfort, but England’s midfield hasn’t quite clicked so far. Jones has both Guy Porter and Henry Slade on the bench - might there also be merit in moving Freddie Steward to the wing to counter New Zealand’s cross-kick heavy strategy? Slade performed impressively at full back off the bench last week, admittedly in very different circumstances.
More of the same will suit New Zealand. It’s been good from the All Blacks so far. The players are beginning to make their way back out there.
H/T: England 3-17 New Zealand
It’s been a pretty difficult half for Jack van Poortvliet. New Zealand look to have targeted the scrum-half, with their loose forwards hard up around the corner and in his face whenever they can, and England not doing a great job at protecting their nine.
This, though, was not entirely Van Poortvliet’s fault. England started that tail pod so far back that it telegraphed a back ball, with only one passing option. A smart plucking with the tweezers from Dalton Papali’i, and New Zealand were away.
H/T: England 3-17 New Zealand
England are rather fortunate not to be further behind after a first half which the All Blacks largely controlled. New Zealand have looked dangerous every time they’ve had the ball, using their physicality in the tight to knock England back and force errors which have come rather too readily for Eddie Jones’ liking.
The hosts squandered their two best chances deep in New Zealand territory and, having promised an energetic start, the manner in which the opening try was surrendered to Dalton Papali’i will not please Jones at all.
PENALTY! England 3-17 NEW ZEALAND (Jordie Barrett penalty, 41 minutes)
Jordie Barrett closes the half with three more New Zealand points.
England 3-14 New Zealand, 40 minutes
The England captain had been down clutching his leg early in that passage of play, but rejoined his teammates in the line, and it looks like he will continue.
Sam Whitelock points to the posts.
England 3-14 New Zealand, 39 minutes
New Zealand’s attack is sharp and intricate, England battling to recover as New Zealand repearedly win the gainline. Mark Telea shakes off Van Poortvliet’s attentions and Richie Mo’unga twice steps out of tckles to keep the momentum building.
A penalty coming, but the All Blacks fancy more. Space on the left - dropped cold by Jordie Barrett! Aaron Smith’s pass was almost too sharp, hitting the inside centre before he’d properly readied himself with the line seemingly at his mercy.
England survive, but New Zealand will have that penalty. And Owen Farrell is down receiving treatment...
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments