The boot of Damian McKenzie proved the difference between the sides, as the All Blacks defeated England 16-15 in a gripping encounter in Dunedin.Â
McKenzie’s two second-half penalties ultimately guided the All Blacks to victory over Steve Borthwick’s men, but other scores from Sevu Reece and Ardie Savea helped them on their way.
Here are our player ratings following England’s narrow defeat to the All Blacks.
England player ratings: George Furbank and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso standouts as England slip to defeat
15. George Furbank-8
Brilliant showing from the Northampton Saints fullback. Set the tone early with a huge tackle and was heavily involved in the defensive efforts. He also led the charge in attack and helped drag his side onto the front-foot.
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso-8
Looking ever-comfortable on the test stage. He was very impressive in defence, and was his usual attacking threat with ball-in-hand. He also grabbed a well deserved try for his efforts.
13. Henry Slade-6
A tough performance to describe really. Got off to a shaky start, but his defensive connection with Feyi-Waboso proved so crucial
12. Ollie Lawrence-7
A very assured performance from Lawrence. Interestingly got stuck into the breakdown, and came up with a couple of crucial turnovers. His grubber-kick also created the chance for Itoje’s opening try, and he was just overall very solid in most facets of his game.
11. Tommy Freeman-6
After a fairly quiet first-half, he got more involved in the second-half. His line-break was vital in building the chance for Feyi-Waboso’s score.
10. Marcus Smith-6
Goal-kicking proved to be an issue, but he grabbed a lovely assist for Feyi-Waboso’s try and was decent in guiding his team in attack.
9. Alex Mitchell-7
A good showing from the Saints nine. Sniped well when the opportunity presented itself, distributed and kicked well from the base of the ruck too. Also generated quick-ball with his speed to the ruck.
England forward ratings
1. Joe Marler-5
Couldn’t quite get going in the scrum, but unfortunately picked up an early injury and came off after 15 minutes.
2. Jamie George-5
Set-piece faltered early doors, and he struggled to get himself into the game.
3. Will Stuart-5Â
Was brought into the starting XV after solid scrummaging against Japan, but was unfortunately bested by Ethan de Groot on several occasions. Did get stuck in around the park though.
4. Maro Itoje-7
Was heavily involved throughout the game. Made himself known on both sides of the ball, and produced some crucial steals. His try also helped England back into the game after New Zealand’s fast start.
5. George Martin-6
Another gritty showing from Martin. Did the ugly stuff well, and got stuck into the defensive efforts.
6. Chandler Cunningham-South-5
Seemed to play within himself at times. He couldn’t quite get a foothold in the game, and unfortunately wasn’t his usual threat in the tight. Made a couple line-breaks though.
7. Sam Underhill-6Â
A quieter showing from Underhill, but he did what was needed. Just did a lot of the hard work in the breakdown and defence.
8. Ben Earl-7Â
A busy showing from Earl. Got heavily involved on both sides of the ball, and was really important to England’s attack.
Replacement ratings
16. Theo Dan-6
Thrust into the game when the set-piece was faltering, and he added some stability. Also made himself busy in attack.
17. Fin Baxter-7
Made a strong start to his test career. Added some solidity to the scrum and really put himself around on both sides of the ball. More importantly, looked comfortable at this level.
18. Dan Cole-5
Struggled to change the tide in the scrum when it was needed most.
19. Alex Coles-5
Got involved in the ugly part of the game nicely, and was decent in the set-piece.
20. Tom Curry-6
Very solid performance as he continues his return to rugby. Just did his job very well.
21. Ben Spencer-5
Brought in for his tactical kicking game, and did this well. Game slowed down a touch when he came on though.
22. Fin Smith-5
Came into the game during a tough period, but was starved of any meaningful opportunities to play his usual game.
23. Ollie Sleightholme-N/A
Only afforded five minutes at the end, but deserved his first cap after a fine season with Northampton.
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