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:
THE SHOT CLOCK EXPIRES! New Zealand 16-15 England, 79 minutes
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? Damian McKenzie has taken too long! The shot clock expires, Nika Amashukeli whistles and England have a scrum - and hope!
New Zealand 16-15 England, 77 minutes
Penalty to New Zealand! Alex Coles’ no-arms tackle is pinged. It’s out on the right but eminently kickable, and Damian McKenzie’s point to the posts will waste another minute at least.
New Zealand 16-15 England,76 minutes
Ollie Sleightholme is on for his debut. Can he be England’s hero?
New Zealand 16-15 England, 74 minutes
Pulverised! Sevu Reece absolutely vaporises George Furbank on the kick chase. A colossal hit, but somehow the England full-back holds on.
Neither side is giving an inch in phase play. England kick up to halfway; Finlay Christie replies with a box kick that Furbank wisely marks before Reece can double his destructive dose.
New Zealand 16-15 England, 73 minutes
The crowd howls as Beauden Barrett runs into the back of a blowing Fin Baxter having chipped beyond the England prop. The officials are content that there is nothing illegal in Baxter’s challenge, the loosehead seemingly having just stood his ground, as he is entitled to.
New Zealand 16-15 England, 72 minutes
But that’s uncharacteristically loose from New Zealand. Asafo Aumua dummies his lineout throw and is free kicked.
Fin Smith sends something skywards. Jordie Barrett hurries in to snatch it out of the hands of team mate Finlay Christie, who looked pretty uncertain under it.
New Zealand 16-15 England, 71 minutes
A mighty shove! A proper scrum time lesson from the replacement All Blacks front row, destroying their English counterparts. The All Blacks boot up beyond haflway.
New Zealand 16-15 England, 69 minutes
Turnover ball for New Zealand! England begin to make inroads in the All Blacks half but a maul ends up with ball unplayable, granting the hosts a scrum.
Jamie George is furious on the bench, the England captain’s day done. Alex Coles has gone to the blindside, by the way, with Tom Curry now on the openside with Sam Underhill off. Both Maro Itoje and George Martin are going 80.
New Zealand 16-15 England, 67 minutes
A swap of Smiths for England, Fin on for Marcus at fly half. He’s already led Northampton to Premiership title triumph this summer - can the young ten have his first standout moment in England white as they seek a famous victory?
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