New Zealand edge England by tightest of margins after Courtney Lawes’ late try disallowed at Twickenham
Relive all the action from the Quilter International at Twickenham
England fell agonisingly short of toppling New Zealand after a late try by Sam Underhill was controversially ruled out in a 16-15 defeat at Twickenham.
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Courtney Lawes charged down TJ Perenara's 76th-minute box kick and the ball fell to Underhill, who weaved full-back Damian McKenzie inside out to touch down in the left corner.
After reviewing the try with the TMO, however, referee Jerome Garces judged that Lawes had been in an offside position and awarded the All Blacks a penalty.
It was a marginal call and England responded with a late onslaught that failed to produce the crucial winning score, but it was a fine performance from Eddie Jones' men that will serve them well heading into next year's World Cup.
They led from the second minute until the 60th as early tries by Chris Ashton and Dylan Hartley helped them to a scarcely-believable 15-0 lead that was gradually eroded.
Beauden Barrett nudged the All Blacks in front with a penalty as England's play grew progressively worse having set off like a steam train, their forwards bristling with aggression.
The momentum shift began late in the first half and was confirmed by a terrific try from McKenzie.
PA
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Teams
England: Elliot Daly; Chris Ashton, Henry Slade, Ben Te’o, Jonny May; Owen Farrell, Ben Youngs; Ben Moon, DYlan Hartley, Kyle Sinckler; Maro Itoje, George Kruis; Brad Shields, Sam Underhill, Mark Wilson.
Replacements: Jamie George, Alec Hepburn, Harry Williams, Charlie Ewels, Courtney Lawes, Danny Care, George Ford, Jack Nowell.
New Zealand: Damian McKenzie; Ben Smith, Jack Goodhue, Sonny Bill Williams, Rieko Ioane; Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith; Karl Tu'inukuafe, Codie Taylor, Owen Franks; Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick; Liam Squire, Ardie Savea, Kieran Read.
Replacements: Dane Coles, Ofa Tuungafasi, Nepo Laulala, Scott Barrett, Matt Todd, TJ Perenara, Richie Mo'unga, Ryan Crotty.
One replacement for England as co-captain Dylan Hartley is off, with Jamie George on at hooker.
42 mins: Oh my New Zealand have just butchered an easy chance to score! Ben Smith broke the line in midfield, and fed namesake Aaron Smith on his left shoulder as they charged into the England 22. He sucked in full-back Daly before passing to Savea, but the ball is behind him and he juggles it straight into Farrell's arms. What a let-off for England.
44 mins: Another let-off as Read's flapped pass to Ioane falls short and rolls past his feet into touch. Changes for the All Blacks as Dane Coles and Nepo Laulala are on to replace Taylor and Franks in the front row.
47 mins: And like London busses, two come at once as Barrett takes full advantage in an England infringement to kick a drop-goal and cut the lead even further. 15-13
48 mins: A good response for England though as Farrell puts up a high one that Barrett cant collect, and it leaves Ioane trapped deep in his own 22. Barrett takes out Ashton illegally and it gives England the penalty, and Farrell turns down the kick to go for the corner. Driving maul, anyone?
49 mins: It's the same again as Farrell, Te'o and Slade charge into the maul, and this time New Zealand collapse it for the penalty. Farrell speaks to the pack, and back into the corner it goes. England smell blood.
50 mins: Itoje takes the ball, but thus time New Zealand stop the shove. Ashton quicky spots space on the blindside and his darting run gives Youngs the opportunity to sneak through, and he's just hauled down short. England recycle, but Sinckler goes without the ball and it's knocked forward. Opprtunity gone.
The response was emphatic
Damian McKenzie slides over for New Zealand's try
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