Superstar Beauden Barrett came off the bench to inspire the All Blacks to a 24-17 comeback win over England at Eden Park tonight.
The hosts were trailing by four points before the two-time world player of the year entered the game and quickly set up winger Mark Tele’a for his second try of the night, breaking the English resistance.
England had threatened to become the first side to win at Eden Park in 30 years after impressive tries by Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tommy Freeman gave them a slender 14-13 lead at halftime.
The Scott Robertson-coached Kiwis struggled to regain momentum, and Marcus Smith extended England’s lead with a penalty before Barrett’s arrival on the pitch.
The fullback displayed composure, steadying the New Zealand team as he ran an excellent line against England’s scramble defense to feed Tele’a, who had opened his account in the first half with a smart poach from the breakdown. Barrett also held up Jamie George over the whitewash in the final play.
Victory for the All Blacks maintains their formidable record at Eden Park and secures a 2-0 series win over England, marking the beginning of Robertson’s era as head coach of the former world champions.