New Zealand have defeated England in a historic victory at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin today in what marked the first victory under new head coach Scott Robertson.
It was an exhilarating encounter that failed to lower in intensity from minute one to minute 80. The typically powerful and tactical Northern Hemisphere style of play was met with the fast-paced and fluid Southern Hemisphere style to create a composite playing style that left fans in awe.
The All Blacks were the first to hit the scoreboard as the mightily impressive Damian McKenzie floated a wonderful crossfield kick into the arms of the returning Sevu Reece.
England hadn’t travelled the entire way across the world to give up after their first setback, however, and quickly returned the favour with a tunnelling Maro Itoje bundling over for England’s first of the game.
England’s celebrations weren’t to last long, however, as new All Black fullback Stephen Perofeta warranted his selection with a beautiful bit of footwork to break the line and set up vice captain Ardie Savea for a try in the corner.
The first half finished 10-10 thanks to a return penalty from Marcus Smith.
It was a half that was filled to the brim with thrilling running rugby, huge hits and incredible offloads, with the likes of Damian McKenzie and George Furbank standing out for their respective teams.
The All Blacks were guilty of giving away unnecessary penalties, whilst England’s poor kicking game was costing them open play opportunities issues that would need to be addressed for the second half.
The second 40 was unlike the first in terms of fluidity, but very much the same in regards to intensity. The pace of the game slowed down, but the pressure rose. The hits were brutal, just ask George Furbank, twice melted by Sevu Reece within five minutes.
England struck first in the half, with a beautifully placed pass from Marcus Smith to put winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso in for a score in the corner. England’s discipline wouldn’t hold, however, as they allowed New Zealand back into the game with two penalties to retake the lead.
Marcus Smith’s poor day from the spot kick will haunt him after hitting less than 50% of the marks. They looked as if they had a possible chance for redemption in the final moments when Damian McKenzie inexplicably exceeded the shot clock, but it wasn’t to be. An All Black penalty win after the buzzer secured victory for the home side in the first of their two tests.
Final score: New Zealand 16-15 England
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