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
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:
New Zealand 10-15 England, 51 minutes
A change for New Zealand: Ofa Tu’ungafasi is on for Ethan de Groot. England answer with two of their own: Dan Cole levels Jason Leonard’s cap tally of 114, replacing Will Stuart on the tighthead, and Tom Curry will offer a different, scavenging skillset in Chandler Cunningham-South’s stead at six.
TRY! New Zealand 10-15 ENGLAND (Immanuel Feyi-Waboso try, 48 minutes)
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is over in the corner!
Patience and posie from England in attack, guided brilliantly by Marcus Smith. Another fine ball allows Tommy Freeman to writhe to within just a couple of metres, and then it is all about picking the right moment to go wide. Smith spots space and demands the ball off Alex Mitchell, flicking a try-scoring pass out to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, showing his opportunistic instincts.
Smith can’t quite convert but that’s an excellent start to the half from the tourists.
New Zealand 10-10 England, 47 minutes
England have certainly come out with greater purpose, though. A lovely dleay from Marcus Smith puts club colleague Chandler Cunningham-South striding into space. Back into the opposition red area they advance...
New Zealand 10-10 England, 46 minutes
Both coaches predicted that the breakdown would be brutal in this series, and that is very much proving true. Maro Itoje pinches a turnover to earn England possession in advanced territory, but when Ben Earl goes it alone inside the All Blacks 22, Will Stuart is forced to clatter in to a jackalling Ardie Savea from the side.
Missed penalty! New Zealand 10-10 England, 44 minutes
My oh my, that’s poor from Marcus Smith. A genuine sitter and a snap-hook from the fly half, who hurls an expletive into the Dunedin night.
New Zealand 10-10 England, 42 minutes
Stable and solid enough from England...and eventually, they get the penalty! Nika Amashukeli tells New Zealand to “use it!” but Ethan de Groot keeps puttoing the pressure on, and is called for stepping around the outside.
This should push England into the lead...
New Zealand 10-10 England, 41 minutes
A strong carry from Chandler Cunningham-South, driving back both All Blacks second rows. But a little spill on the deck ends his adventure ten metres from the New Zealand 22.
Second half...
Right, the players are back out there, waiting for Nika Amshukeli’s permission to resume proceedings. The All Blacks have made a change: TJ Perenara has now gone off after that worrying-looking incident just before half-time; Finlay Christie is on at scrum half.
Back underway.
HT: New Zealand 10-10 England
The suggestion from New Zealand is that it is a foot injury for Joe Marler. Remember, England are already without Ellis Genge due to a calf problem - they may well have to scramble someone out as cover before the second Test if Marler’s issue is a serious one, with Bevan Rodd the other loosehead on tour.
HT: New Zealand 10-10 England
The other concern for England might be their set-piece, which has been put under pressure. Fin Baxter was forced on early with the Harlequins prop thrown on for a debut for a stricken Joe Marler after 18 minutes - the loosehead has grown into the contest but this is comfortably the biggest occasion of his young career.
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