Leicester Fainga’anuku and Codie Taylor scored early tries for New Zealand, but England responded with a try from Ollie Lawrence and two George Ford drop goals to narrow the gap to just one point at halftime.
In the second half, tries from Sam Underhill and Fraser Dingwall extended England’s lead to 25-12, with Will Jordan scoring for New Zealand in between. Ford’s crucial penalty and Tom Roebuck’s try sealed the win for England.
The victory marked England’s first win over the All Blacks since the 2019 World Cup semi-final and only their third in the last 22 meetings. Ford, who was named man of the match, led the team with his experience and composure.
England’s attacking prowess and defensive solidity were key factors in their victory, as they kept the pressure on New Zealand throughout the game. The win was a significant improvement from their three narrow defeats to New Zealand last year.
Looking ahead, England will aim to continue their winning streak against Argentina, while New Zealand will regroup as they face Wales. Despite the loss, New Zealand captain Scott Barrett acknowledged England’s strong performance and their ability to capitalize on opportunities.
Overall, it was a memorable victory for England, showcasing their determination and resilience against one of the world’s best teams.
