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England vs New Zealand player ratings: How did Semesa Rokodugani and captain Chris Robshaw perform?

A look at the individual performances at Twickenham

Jack de Menezes
Sunday 09 November 2014 10:08 EST
Comments
Non-existent with the ball given England didn’t know how to get him into the game. Useful in defence, but replaced after 62 minutes on his debut
Non-existent with the ball given England didn’t know how to get him into the game. Useful in defence, but replaced after 62 minutes on his debut (Getty Images)

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New Zealand defeated England 24-21 on Saturday, bossing a home side that's desperate to make Twickenham a fortress heading towards the Rugby World Cup in 10 months.

Instead, the All Blacks added to their aura with a news flash of their own: It was their seventh win in eight matches on England's turf in the last decade, and they will feel right at home when they come back to defend the Cup.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, however, insisted the result would have no bearing on the World Cup, where New Zealand and England could meet only as early as the semi-finals.

Of the All Blacks earning a psychological advantage, Hansen said, "That's a load of baloney.

"The All Blacks have shown many times you can be top dog and not get there. Today is about winning today.

"There's no psychological advantage because World Cups have shown time and again that prior history goes out the door."

The All Blacks were set back by an unexpectedly strong start by England, playing their first test in five months, but the visitors gradually took charge, took the lead for good in the 46th minute, and squeezed the life out of England in the second half, despite a yellow card and heavy rain.

Putting away their customary flash and dash, New Zealand played smart, patient, textbook rugby in scoring three tries, and overcame making only three goalkicks out of eight shots.

So who were the stand-out performers at Twickenham? We take a look...

Who was your man of the match? Let us know in the comments below.

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