The All Blacks secured a test series win over England in a monumental 24-17 victory at fortress Eden Park.
Two tries from Mark Tele’a alongside 14 points from the boot of Damien McKenzie ensured England’s wait for a win on New Zealand soil continues.
After a frantic start, New Zealand opened the scoring. After some strong carries from Ardie Savea and Rieko Ioane, winger Mark Tele’a picked up the ball to storm down the blindside and open his account.
England responded quickly though, as Immanuel Feyi-Waboso crossed. Marcus Smith’s perfect cross-field kick found the Exeter man in space out wide, and he wrongfooted both Damian McKenzie and Jordie Barrett to race in under the posts.
With the scores level, the game descended into a topsy-turvy affair. New Zealand caused England problems at scrum-time and England were able to disrupt New Zealand’s lineout. Two penalty kicks by McKenzie were all that separated the two sides since both tries were scored.
New Zealand came close to extending their lead on a couple of occasions, most notably through a Stephen Perofeta break, but excellent defending from Freddie Steward and Smith made sure they were not able to capitalise.
But on the stroke of half-time, England struck a dagger blow through Tommy Freeman. Another pinpoint cross-field kick from Smith found Freeman out wide, and he powered over to give his team the lead going into the sheds.
All Blacks capitalise on England’s inaccuracies
After a physical start to the second-half, Smith extended England’s lead with a simple penalty in front of the posts after Dalton Papalii infringement.
The game then burst into life, as New Zealand’s bench began to make the mark. Smart kicks from replacement Beauden Barrett pinned back in their own half, and the iconic back was at the heart of their second try.
A quick break from the fullback sliced through the England defence, and he threw a simple pass to Tele’a to send the winger in for his second try.
A string of England penalties were turned into points by McKenzie, giving England a mountain to climb heading into the final five minutes.
With the clock in the red, England had one final throw of the dice. With the help of the entire backline, a strong maul looked to be motoring towards the whitewash, however it was called back for obstruction and the All Blacks kept their 30-year streak at Eden Park in tact.
New Zealand 24-17 England
New Zealand – 24
Tries: Tele’a (2)
Conversions: McKenzie (1/2)
Penalties: McKenzie (4/4)
England – 17Â
Tries: Feyi-Waboso, Freeman
Conversions: M. Smith (2/2)
Penalties: M. Smith (1/1)
