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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.