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 10-7 England, 33 minutes
Damian McKenzie is settling in nicely. A slightly aimless Henry Slade punt affords Stephen Perofeta plenty of time to find his playmaking partner, who boots well beyond halfway from the safe embrace of his own 22.
New Zealand 10-7 England, 31 minutes
Into the 22 the All Blacks go, though England recover their shape swiftly. Maro Itoje contests at the breakdown and is dragged away by his neck - penalty against TJ Perenara, erring in his desperation to shift the lock and rightly pinged by one of Nika Amashukeli’s assistants.
New Zealand 10-7 England, 30 minutes
The All Blacks are just starting to show their might. England’s scrum is solid but Ben Earl is chopped down by Dalton Papali’i, allowing his forward comrades to pile in and counter-ruck for the ball.
New Zealand 10-7 England, 28 minutes
Mark Tele’a is just so slippery. The electric eel-esque All Blacks wing cuts right through an advancing England line with impossible ease before beating Maro Itoje’s clutching limbs. A knock-on spoils another promising movement.
TRY! NEW ZEALAND 10-7 England (Ardie Savea, 25 minutes)
And the All Blacks capitalise!
Dynamite feet from Stephen Perofeta! The full-back detonates the ankles of Ben Earl, standing up the number eight and putting him on the deck with a step to the outside. There are two men waiting on the exposed edge as Perofeta draws the last defender, and Ardie Savea has the speed to ensure Sevu Reece’s support is surplus to requirements.
New Zealand 5-7 England, 23 minutes
Chandler Cunningham-South slaps back a high kick, but Ben Earl knocks it on just outside England’s 22. The All Blacks scrum goes to work, Fin Baxter struggling against Tyrel Lomax and conceding a penalty advantage.
TRY! New Zealand 5-7 ENGLAND (Maro Itoje try, 22 minutes)
No doubt! Maro Itoje answers for England!
Power and punch from England around the corner, led by Chandler Cunningham-South, England-born but New Zealand-reared and inflicting pain on the All Blacks fringe defence. Itoje is sharp and accurate with his pick and drive; Marcus Smith’s conversion pushes the tourists in front.
TRY? New Zealand 5-0 England, 20 minutes
Has Maro Itoje punched over from close range? Chandler Cunningham-South went within a metre and the lock might just have got there...
New Zealand 5-0 England, 21 minutes
That grubber brings a better result for England, Ollie Lawrence nudging for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who forces McKenzie out five metres from the All Blacks line. A real chance for England...
New Zealand 5-0 England, 20 minutes
Some bright attacking interplay from England up the right, Alex Mitchell fizzing and popping. Marcus Smith slides a grubber through for Henry Slade and co to get after, but Damian McKenzie had covered his opposite number’s prod appropriately.
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