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:
HT: New Zealand 10-10 England
A fascinating half, New Zealand feeling constantly close to cracking England open but the visitors scrambling to stay in it. The tourists have probably edged the kicking game, too, and though their attacking game is yet to really get going, Steve Borthwick’s side will be pleased to be back in the hutch to recharge with the scores level.
PENALTY! New Zealand 10-10 ENGLAND (Marcus Smith penalty, 42 minutes)
Straight and true from Marcus Smith, making amends for his miss from the tee early on. Affairs are squared as the two sides trot to the tunnel.
New Zealand 10-7 England, 41 minutes
The All Blacks play on, happy to chance their arm inside their own half even with the interval imminent. And they may just pay, conceding a kickable penalty 35 metres from their own line and bang in front.
New Zealand 10-7 England, 40 minutes
Oh no. This looks a real worry for TJ Perenara, hyperextending his knee after George Martin counter-rucks a teammate into the All Blacks’ scrum half, who is making his New Zealand comeback after so long out with an Achilles injury last year.
Remarkably, Perenara hobbles back to his feet and will continue as the hooter blares. That looked like it could have been nasty.
New Zealand 10-7 England, 39 minutes
Frustrating again for England. TMO Eric Gauzins calls down to Nika Amashukeli just as an attack gathers steam on the left, picking up Fin Baxter for a neck roll on Ardie Savea earlier in the movement. It’s not the clearest neck roll you’ve seen, but the officials have said that they are going to be hot on any clearout of that kind this summer.
Penalty New Zealand as we tick towards half time.
New Zealand 10-7 England, 37 minutes
Jordie Barrett, meanwhile, pilfers possession 30 metres from his own line and off the All Blacks go. There’s space apparent on the right but Ardie Savea’s attempt at an extended one-two with Damian McKenzie is clearly forward out of the hand.
New Zealand 10-7 England, 36 minutes
England haven’t got their accuracy right in attack so far. A Ben Earl inside ball to Tommy Freeman is right at the line and thus optimistic, and there is little surprise when it is knocked on.
New Zealand 10-7 England, 35 minutes
A chip from Jordie Barrett isn’t quite right, and a fortunate bounce of Alex Mitchell’s knee lands in the hands of club colleague George Furbank. He is munched by Ethan de Groot, though the All Blacks infringe at the breakdown to relieve some of the pressure on England.
New Zealand 10-7 England, 34 minutes
That’s excellent from McKenzie, too, beating the significantly larger Tommy Freeman in the air with a well-timed leap.
The fly half is on the ball again, putting skipper Scott Barrett through a gap as England blitz up on the outside too far.
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