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.
71 mins: It's pinched by Retallick! George's throwing has not been up to scratch since he came on, and to make matters worse Mo'unga breaks and New Zealand surge into the England half out wide with Barritt releasing Smith.
72 mins: There's an almighty collision in midfield as Read flattens Farrell, but it's enough to dislodge the ball and force the knock-on. George Ford comes on for the final eight minutes, with Te'o replaced and Farrell moved to centre.
76 mins: TMO Marius Jonker decides Lawes is offside when he charges the ball down, and the decision is overturned. Sam Underhill sees his big moment disappear, and New Zealand instead have a penalty on the 10m line in their own half. That's a huge decision.
77 mins: Who'd have thought we could get more controversial than last weekend?! Jonker decides that Lawes was offside as he charges down Perenara, and despite gathering the ball and evading Barrett to score, it's chalked off. England have turned the ball over though and are on the attack.
79 mins: Jonny May breaks and runs up to the 22m line, but the ball is knocked on by Slade out wide and that leaves 75 seconds on the clock anfd New Zealand in possession.
80 mins: The scrum collapses but Garces allows play to continue...Mo'unga kicks the ball into touch!
New Zealand beat England 16-15!
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