New Zealand v England LIVE rugby: Result and reaction as All Blacks secure narrow win in brutal first Test

New Zealand 16-15 England: Damian McKenzie’s late penalty secured the All Blacks a tight victory in Dunedin

Rugby World Cup to be expanded to 24 teams in 2027

England were denied a famous victory in a brutal first Test as Damian McKenzie’s boot gave New Zealand victory in Dunedin.

Seeking only a third win in history over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil, England defended superbly and appeared to be on course when Immanuel Feyi-Waboso scored just after half-time.

But the hosts, as they do often, found a way, shutting the game down and upping the physicality in a hard-hitting encounter. McKenzie, having missed twice from the tee in the first half, showed his composure as the fly half struck two second-half penalties to nudge the All Blacks in front entering the final 15 minutes.

And showing all of their experience, New Zealand seldom allowed England another shot at snatching the win, ensuring that they take a 1-0 lead into the second Test at Eden Park in Auckland next week as they kicked off a new era under head coach Scott Robertson with a win.

Re-live all of the action from New Zealand vs England below:

Summer Internationals: New Zealand v England

• England denied famous victory by a single point as All Blacks survive brutal Test
• FT: New Zealand 16-15 England
• PENALTY! NEW ZEALAND 16-15 England (Damian McKenzie penalty, 66 minutes)
• TRY! New Zealand 10-15 ENGLAND (Immanuel Feyi-Waboso try, 48 minutes)
• HT: New Zealand 10-10 England
• TRY! NEW ZEALAND 10-7 England (Ardie Savea, 25 minutes)
• TRY! New Zealand 5-7 ENGLAND (Maro Itoje, 22 minutes)
• TRY! NEW ZEALAND 5-0 England (Sevu Reece, 16 minutes)
• KICK OFF!

[6 July 2024 06:07 · Luke Baker]

Everything you need to know about New Zealand v England

England will spy an opportunity against a new-look All Blacks side as they take on New Zealand in the first match of a two-Test series.

Steve Borthwick’s men warmed up for the trip with a confidence-boosting thrashing of Japan, and have had plenty of preparation time since travelling south.

The All Blacks begin a new era under head coach Scott Robertson as they return to action for the first time since the World Cup final defeat to South Africa.

It is ten years since these two met on New Zealand soil, making this a series to savour.

Here’s everything you need to know:

[6 July 2024 06:00 · Luke Baker]

New Zealand v England

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of New Zealand v England from Dunedin. Can the All Blacks get the Scott Robertson era off to a flyer or will England continue their 2024 renaissance with a historic victory?

Stick with us for full live coverage